Navigating AI’s ethical challenges in academia

THERE has been increasing attention given to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at universities and its role in the knowledge economy. Continual debates about concerns regarding the originality of content and its alignment with reality and truth are what many academics are concerned about. Artificial Intelligence is dominantly based on data and algorithms, which can pose a problem when it comes to accuracy, timeliness and contextually relevant details.

- DR SHEELAL BHOOLA

This can become problematic, especially if research is based in localities that are not predominantly well-known to people and where there has been limited research development and engagement.

Some platforms of Artificial Intelligence respond with broad brushstrokes as we enter a query, and then there are others that are more academically defined and can resource appropriately with citations and appropriate literature.

The challenge now ahead of academics and researchers employed at universities is how we manage to effectively identify and query work and patterns and even make decisions for you if probed correctly. The central idea is that it should be used to enhance learning, reasoning and problem-solving skills.