Noam Chomsky calls ChatGPT “basically high-tech plagiarism’. Here’s why

Since its initial launch in November 2022, ChatGPT is the subject of several debates. Noam Chomsky is describing it as high-tech plagiarism.

ChatGPT, “basically high-tech plagiarism”?

Noam Chomsky, the American linguist, and philosopher described the artificial intelligence chatbot as “basically high-tech plagiarism and a way of avoiding learning”. In a recent interview with EduKitchen, he added that students are instinctively using tech as a method to avoid learning. In his words, this is “a sign that the educational system is failing”. Chomsky shared his opinions while discussing the future of academic essays with the growing popularity of ChatGPT.

As per Chomsky, for years, professors have been using programs for detecting plagiarism. However, as ChatGPT becomes more mainstream, “it’s going to be more difficult because it’s easier to plagiarize”. He added that plagiarism is the only way such chatbots can contribute to learning. Additionally, the linguist compared the popularity of ChatGPT with the rise of smartphones. He believes students are leaning towards high technology to avoid learning. This may rise if classes are not interesting enough.

More on the issue

The AI chatbot is the subject of several debates in academics and other circles. New reports suggest students are using it to write their academic papers, essays, and homework. However, experts are unsure if it should be banned. “Today’s students will graduate into a world full of generative AI programs. They’ll need to know their way around these tools — their strengths and weaknesses, their hallmarks and blind spots — to work alongside them,” stated a New York Times report.

“Many students sit there having a chat with somebody on their iPhone. One way to deal with that is to ban iPhones; another way to do it is to make the class interesting,” stated Chomsky. moreover, if the education system “has no appeal to students, doesn’t interest them, doesn’t challenge them, doesn’t make them want to learn, they’ll find ways out,” he added.