AI and Plagiarism: A New Ethical Frontier
The current debate: Is using AI-generated content without attribution plagiarism?
Plagiarism means using someone else’s work or ideas without proper attribution. Generally, when we are talking about plagiarism we are talking about the ethical violation, not a legal violation, such as copyright infringement (check my prior newsletter for that discussion).
Plagiarism is technically legal, but, of course, can result in damaged reputations and academic standings.
AI-generated content presents a unique ethical challenge.
Plagiarism serves a dual purpose:
Protect Creators: Ensure original creators receive credit for their intellectual work, and
Prevent Imposters: Prevent others from claiming unearned intellectual credit.
My Hot Take
Using AI-generated content without attribution is not plagiarism.
Plagiarism is derived from the word plagium, which means “kidnapping” or “theft.” In other words, the taking of property (or person) that belongs to another. The reasons I believe plagiarism doesn’t apply:
AI isn’t a creator.
AI doesn’t own anything.
AI is technology. A tool.
AI-generated content is an algorithm’s computation of existing data.
We have no ethical obligation to AI.
Our Ethical Obligation is to be Honest
That said, is use of AI without attribution unethical? It can be.
It is dishonest and therefore unethical to present AI-generated content as an expression of your expertise. Client deliverables or a portfolio representing your work product--that needs to be your work.
Listen to my LinkedIn Live regarding this topic here.
IP is fuel 🚀
Erin
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