The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Academic Paper Writing and Its Prospective Application as a Co-Author: A Letter to the Editor

Abstract

Dear Editors, I have read your editorials with great interest [1,2]. I am interested in sharing my insights concerning the role of artificial intelligence in composing scholarly articles, along with its potential as a collaborative co-author. I extend my heartfelt gratitude for establishing this profoundly valuable platform for discussion. I am aware of the imperative to renew myself academically daily. Perhaps the most exquisite yet arduous facet of academic life resides herein. Sustaining the currency of my domain knowledge, tracking technological advancements, and aligning with the latest research trends often pose formidable challenges. However, these challenges also furnish avenues for continuous self-improvement and exploring topics demanding more profound comprehension. In addition to the facilitation of information access afforded by computers and the internet, artificial intelligence has been incorporated in recent years—my inaugural encounter with artificial intelligence manifested through applications utilized on telecommunication devices. Artificial intelligence finds application across various domains and displays a swiftly burgeoning spectrum of applications. In recent years, significant advancements have transpired in artificial intelligence, culminating in the emergence of numerous Large Language Models (LLMs). Introducing sophisticated and diverse language models has precipitated a remarkable leap in this domain. One such model is the artificial intelligence conversational robot named ChatGPT, equipped with the GPT-3.5.5 language model, which OpenAI unveiled on November 30, 2022. Impressively, this model garnered one million users within five days. Within the academic literature, ChatGPT, a Chat Generative-Being Transformer, is widely acknowledged as a substantial and versatile information resource [3]. So, can ChatGPT be used safely for manuscript writing? As academics, we know that writing an article and adding new knowledge to the literature requires serious dedication. In this context, using ChatGPT for article writing involves significant risks [4]. The biggest problem is accuracy [5]. Artificial intelligence draws its data from the internet environment, where the veracity and reliability of information are persistently subject to debate. The accuracy and reliability of data on the Internet is always controversial. ChatGPT can produce factually inaccurate and inaccurate texts, create biased texts, and in particular, this can undermine the credibility and authority of researchers. Another most critical problem is that it includes ethical concerns. However, we cannot overlook the fact that with the advancement of technology, artificial intelligence has been progressing toward the core of our lives. As a solution, I think that artificial intelligence should be employed with caution, considering its ethical problems, the potential for misapplications, and plagiarism-related concerns. Notably, it can contribute to refining written text rather than printing the entire article. In addition, as you stated, the role, contributions, and process of ChatGPT in the article should be clearly stated. In the literature, it has been said that ChatGPT contributed to various stages, such as data analysis, model development, and interpretation of results [6]. Susnjak [7] has argued that ChatGPT exhibits critical thinking skills and can generate highly realistic texts with minimal input, positing that this poses a threat in online examinations, particularly within higher education settings. Zhai [8] in the context of crafting articles encompassing education and artificial intelligence themes, has emphasized the assertion that ChatGPT could assist researchers in generating coherent, partially accurate, informative, and systematic articles. Alshater [9] has noted that ChatGPT has the potential to improve academic performance, underlined various limitations, such as ethical considerations, and emphasized the importance of combining human analysis and interpretation. So, is it appropriate for ChatGPT to be credited as a co-author? This topic will always be controversial This matter will inevitably remain subject to ongoing debate. The scope of ChatGPT's contribution and the ethical considerations surrounding this practice, coupled with the continued discussions within the academic community, suggest that employing ChatGPT as a co-author carries substantial risks [10]. In a collaborative study where Perlman and ChatGPT served as co-authors [11], Perlman evaluated the text generated by ChatGPT and underscored the possibility of envisioning a new future by considering the ethical concerns, faulty applications, and plagiarism issues associated with artificial intelligence. Similarly, in a comparable endeavor, Srivastava [12] was tasked with using ChatGPT to compose a conference paper and consequently emphasized that, under researcher supervision, ChatGPT could be an efficient application. In conclusion, the assertion that artificial intelligence plays an increasingly significant role in research and scientific discovery is continuously gaining support. However, considering the meticulousness and accuracy required for establishing academic literature across all fields, ChatGPT's practice of generating academic articles from scratch and serving as an assistant author is not aligned with academic norms. There is a need for the development of more nuanced programs in this regard. Especially in the coming days, ChatGPT should prove the information it gives and present the right references for every sentence. Simultaneously, ChatGPT should be revamped in a format that can address ethical concerns. Yours sincerely,