AI Chatbots: Threat or Opportunity?

In November 2022, OpenAI launched ChatGPT, an AI chatbot that gained over 100 million users by February 2023. AI chatbots, which are based on large language models and machine learning, have the potential to revolutionize how we interact with computers and digital systems. Proponents of these developments claim that these applications can and will result in substantial benefits for everyone. Many others, including those at the forefront of the technology, are far more skeptical, with some now claiming that AI, in its current form, is toxic and dangerous, possibly representing a threat to humanity. Although this latter fear seems far-fetched and misplaced, the ramifications of these latest developments are serious and require wide-ranging analysis, attention, and action if we are to avoid an exponential increase in disinformation generating severe and irredeemable mistrust in these technologies.