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Generative AI

A libguide on Generative AI models

AI Literacy

AI literacy, simply put, is the practice of interrogating, verifying, and understanding our use of AI systems and content. As good stewards of information is it critical to understand the impact AI has on our work, community, and world. Below are some things to keep in mind when using, evaluating, disseminating, and encouraging the use of AI. 

AI Programs are constantly evolving. Since the invention of ChatGPT we have gone from only a few AI models to hundreds. Each with their own unique functions and limitations. 

To those who aren't in the know, the term AI can drum up scary images of the Terminator, HAL 9000, or Otto (from Pixar's WALL-E)—thinking machines with wills and agendas of their own. But we are not living that reality—yet. 

AI is a complex machine learning model that can analyze thousands of data points and recognize patterns based on the information it was trained on. It can then generate content based on the information it has access to. 

This implies several things:

  • AI is not all-knowing. It can only generate content based on the information it has access to. 
  • If the information the AI has is bad - the generated content will most likely be bad too. 
  • AI recognizes patterns. If you're looking for content that is completely and totally unique you will need to create it yourself. 
  • An AI can be trained on information, text, images, videos, and sounds that belong to other creators. Be careful not to steal someone else's work - even if its slightly different, its still theft!
  • AI is not infallible. It makes things up, creates wonky images, and gets things wrong. 

The golden rule of AI use: YOU are responsible for any content that you ask AI to generate. Make sure the information is accurate, coherent, and cited properly. Failure to do these things makes you the responsible party for any harm caused in the generation or dissemination of AI content. 

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If you have suggestions for how to make this page better, please contact Elizabeth Jerow, Library Director (jerow@msoe.edu).