“You can ask ChatGPT if you have a hard problem.” ChatGPT is the talk of the town. Users refer to ChatGPT as a know-it-all service, which can do everything from learning aids to hobby exploration. It is because it learns on its own based on the information acquired and provides answers appropriate to the needs, which is different from the previous chatbot service.

In fact, ChatGPT has consistently drawn a lot of attention since its launch on November 30th of last year. The IT industry started to take interest in ChatGPT, which has led to the interest of education and colleges, and now we can often see it in Pusan National University (PNU). "Channel PNU" conducted a "Survey on the use of ChatGPT" for 151 PNU students from April 14th to 25th to understand the actual utilization and concerns of using it in the university.

■ ChatGPT is used in various ways, such as studying

According to the survey, more than 85% of the respondents had experience using ChatGPT, and 60% of the students said that its main purpose was “academic use.” Students used it in various ways: major book summary, report writing, foreign language study and grammar application, and mathematical calculation. Na Hyun-Soo (Dept. of Molecular Biology, 20), who often uses ChatGPT, said, "I understand the solution using it when the solution is not explained in detail in the textbook. It is convenient because I can ask questions in natural language even if I am unfamiliar with the complicated mathematical syntax used in my major study." Nam Joon-Hyeop (Dept. of Philosophy, 15) also said, "If you order a specific dictionary, it can be translated into three languages at the same time, which is useful for making wordbooks."

In addition to academic studies, ChatGPT was used in various areas, with 29% of students “using it for interest and fun." Many students use it for hobbies such as game design or for simple conversations. Lee Jung-Hyun (Dept. of English Language Education, 22), who was recommended ChatGPT in her class, said, “When I was feeling down while studying, I told ChatGPT about my situation. It was really helpful when it let me know various ways to feel better, such as “move your body.” and “ask for help from people around you.””

PNU students were generally highly satisfied with the various uses of ChatGPT. While 74% of respondents said they were satisfied with using it, only 8% said they were dissatisfied. Ahn Jun-Young (School of Computer Science & Engineering, 22) said, "When I do translation work, I am satisfied with the use of it because it translates well compared to existing translators. Unlike search engines where questions are not linked to each other, it is convenient because it reads the context of the question."

■ "ChatGPT also has limits.”

However, there is also a limit to ChatGPT. According to the survey, more than half of the respondents (53.8%) were concerned about “the spread of false information due to misinformation that AI answers.” In fact, AI programs such as ChatGPT can likely cause “hallucination,” a phenomenon that produces false information based on error data. ChatGPT presented false information like an actual event to questions about non-existent history, such as the “Alchemist Rebellion in the Joseon Dynasty.”

Ghostwriting issue is also constantly being mentioned. In the survey, it was pointed out that there were concerns about “cheating (23.5%) that it is recognized by submitting tasks and job applications created by ChatGPT,” following the “spread of false information.” Student A (Dept. of Business Administration, 20) said, "I have seen many cases where my friends have filled most of the report assignments written by ChatGPT. I think many people use it because there are no exact regulations." Student Na said, "Our social system was originally based on trust that we would have written assignments based on our efforts. I am worried that people who misuse AI will cause a crack in the system."

■ Fact-checking is responsible for humans due to irresponsible AI.

Students say that they need the ability to "fact check" without accepting all of the AI's knowledge when using ChatGPT. Student Ahn said, "I think many human tasks seem to disappear due to the spread of generative AI, such as ChatGPT. ChatGPT can only answer based on learned data, so it is up to humans to pioneer new fields." Student Nam also said, "AI cannot be held responsible. It is important for humans not to rely entirely on AI, but to develop the ability to judge correctly based on AI knowledge." Kim Nuri (Graduate school, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 22), who uses ChatGPT as a research tool, said that the information obtained through ChatGPT must be cross-checked.

Experts say they are concerned about the same thing as students, and we should be wary of indiscriminate use. Woo Kyun (Prof. of the School of Computer Science & Engineering, PNU), who has experienced the hallucination phenomenon, said, "ChatGPT does not have a process of verification like books and papers, so you must ask for the evidence to confirm it.” He continued, adding, “The indiscriminate use of ChatGPT can lead to students becoming lazy in their studies and research, and accepting misinformation without a doubt. I am worried that this will cause the loss of intellectual interest and alienate the relationship between people and researchers." Yeom Geun-Hyeok (Prof. of the School of Computer Science & Engineering, PNU) said, "ChatGPT is a breakthrough technology, but confirming whether your data is the right information is impossible. If college students, who need to build their skills and knowledge rather than productivity, rely heavily on ChatGPT, I wonder if they can play their roles well in society in the future."

■ PNU responds to ChatGPT

Universities are also actively responding to changes, such as announcing the code of ethics of using ChatGPT. They suggest the right direction for using it or conduct education. On March 30th, PNU also provided "Guidelines for the use of AI" for the first time at a national university and presented the principles of correct use.

Based on the guidelines, faculty education is also being conducted under the theme of "Teaching and Learning at Universities in the Age of ChatGPT, Generative AI." On May 10th, "ChatGPT Practice Education" was held for professors. A PNU Office of Educational Affairs official said, "It is meaningful because it is the first national university guideline that contains mutual respect, diversity, and educational ethics. We hope that AI will be utilized smoothly in developing the intelligence and creativity of professors and learners." 

Reporter Sim Se-Hee

Translated by Kwon Eun-Ji