Tama ba 'to?

SCIENCE EDITORIAL • 3 min read · April 01, 2024

“ChatGPT mo na lang.” “Pwede naman i-chatGPT eh.” “Mag ChatGPT ka”

And the list goes on. But is it really the most appropriate plan of action? Is it exactly “right”? Labeling something with the adjective “right” automatically lets one assume that the subject is morally good, justified, and/or acceptable.

At present, we witness the reconstruction of our very purpose. From having robots clean for us, up to them teaching the younger generation their ABCs is way past today and has been left behind. By this year, it is safe to say that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be omnipresent in everything we do. Pero, tama ba ‘to?

With the recent surge in the use of generative AI such as the ever-famous ChatGPT, and the og (slang for ‘original’) conversational AI such as Siri and Alexa, this generation shall soon be a witness to the rise of automation technologies possibly threatening various sources of income. Not only have AI Virtual Assistants such as Gigi (GCash Customer Service) been introduced, but turns have been taken indeed! Self driven cars and planes are more than just capable and aware of making decisions regarding a vehicle’s speed, possible obstacles, taking turns, destinations and parkings, etc..

Moreover, concerning the academic fields, the Philippines’ famed university, University of Philippines (UP) recently unveiled the UP Principles for Responsible and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence; a set of guidelines for the use of AI established by the UP AI Advancement Committee (AIAC). Specifically, the guidelines and the UP AIAC aim to promote the responsible use of AI, mitigate its negative impacts and adhere to the established principles. UP, holding an impactful position, also hopes “that the adoption of these principles shall intensify the national discourse on the role of AI in national development” as stated on their official website (University of the Philippines Principles for Responsible and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence, 2023).

Internationally, Cornell University, renowned for its research production, now has an under-graduate student-led organization established specifically for the use of Artificial Intelligence in the Research Department. Named Cornell University Artificial Intelligence (CUAI), the organization focuses on AI, and search and publications. With the goal to manifest a collaborative environment that provides hands-on research experience, the CUAI aims to foster an inclusive setting to allow minds to connect and collaborate.

Recently, senior high school students of Colegio San Agustin-Makati made use of AI tools such as ChatGPT in their Research/ Inquiry subjects. For instance, the Grade 12 students were suggested to use AI to assist them in generating and finding common themes from their collected research paper findings. “I personally believe that AI algorithms can be used by researchers to swiftly and effectively examine enormous volumes of data. AI technology and its functions can easily identify patterns, correlations, and trends that cannot be easily executed through the use of traditional methods.”, Ms. Ira Louise Ramos, the Inquiry teacher stated on the subject.

To deal with the matter at hand, specific guidelines for relevant artificial intelligence platforms must be introduced in all local academic institutions, similar to those established in UP. Referring to these established provisions, trainings for concerned bodies (student and teacher bodies) could be conducted to develop a sense of understanding of boundaries, limitations and capabilities of AI platforms. Similarly, co-curricular activities such as clubs and programs could serve as opportunities for individuals to immerse themselves in the responsible uses of rising technologies.

Given such circumstances, it is not at all a rare sight to see that a student’s bag simply contains a single device instead of five heavy, thick textbooks that had been borrowed from the library. From messy books being passed down for generations, to possessing the most lightweight laptops, Artificial Intelligence is the new trend. Smart tutoring systems, virtual assistants, online learning, and helping students with constructing their research papers is how one is growing these days. And as one “progresses”, the main question that lies for all to ponder over is, “Tama ba ‘to?” literally translating to “Is it right?”