Since the beginning of 2023, one app has been taking over headlines and generating lots of buzz - ChatGPT.

ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, uses AI to answer users’ questions and write all kinds of texts, including essays and even poetry. It is accessible to everyone and it is remarkably accurate (though it is, of course, not perfect). Dozens of articles and videos have been released in the past few weeks as people try it out for themselves and discuss the pros and cons of this technology. In fact, it’s so popular right now that it’s hard to access! I have been unable to try it because it’s constantly at capacity. 

While the advance of AI seems to be inevitable, and some people are excited about the possible benefits, others are increasingly worried about job losses, cheating in schools, and an increase in the spread of misinformation (to name a few of the common concerns). 

To learn more about this topic, you can check out the following videos on YouTube:

• For a short, basic introduction, watch “What is ChatGPT?” on ABC News. (short - 3:47)
• In the Wall Street Journal’s “Cheating With ChatGPT: Can OpenAI’s Chatbot Pass AP Lit?”, a journalist returns to high school to see if the technology can pass two different assignments (an essay and a group discussion). (medium - 6:58)
• In BBC’s “What is ChatGPT, the AI software taking the internet by storm?”, the technology is introduced and discussed by experts who share their concerns. (medium - 8:06)
• And in “Could ChatGPT and other AI Chatbots replace human jobs” by DW News, the reporter and her guest discuss the possibilities and limitations of this technology in industry. (long - 16:43)

This is an incredibly hot topic right now, so it will be easy to find more videos and articles about ChatGPT with a quick search. 

What do you think of ChatGPT or AI in general? Do you think that AI will affect your career, your education, or perhaps your childrens’ education? Are you cautiously optimistic about the possible benefits, or are you anxious about the potential negative effects? 

As a teacher, I have many concerns, but I do also see how this kind of technology can benefit language learners who will be able to get answers to their questions and even practice conversation in their target language without the need for a teacher. Although I, personally, prefer to continue with (mostly) traditional teaching and learning methods, I would also advise language students to keep an open mind about new technology and consider how it might be helpful to them in moderation.  

Key phrases:

to be taking over headlines - A topic that is taking over headlines is a hot topic that a lot of people are talking and writing about, especially in the news. 

to be generating lots of buzz - A topic that is generating lots of buzz is something that is being talked about a lot and causing a lot of excitement. The word hype may also be used instead of buzz.

to name a few - This phrase can be used to give examples. It follows the examples and means that these examples are only some of the many possibilities.  

to be cautiously optimistic - People who are cautiously optimistic are generally hopeful about something, but they can also see the potential problems.