What Is Plagiarism?
The dictionary defines plagiarism as using someone else's words or ideas and pretending they are your own. This includes not just copying, but also closely imitating someone's work without giving them credit.
So, where does AI fit in?
AI and Plagiarism
When you copy text from an AI like ChatGPT, you are taking the work of a computer program and claiming it as your own. That's a form of plagiarism. It's also considered plagiarism if you take AI-generated text and just make a few small changes. The idea is that you are presenting something that isn't your original thought as your own.
An expert on plagiarism, Jonathan Bailey, says that all plagiarism is a lie. When you turn in a paper, you are saying that the work and ideas in it are yours. If they aren't, you are being dishonest.
Even AI agrees. If you ask ChatGPT if it's plagiarism to copy its text, it will tell you yes. It will also say that if you do use AI-generated text, you must properly cite it (using quotation marks and a citation) and fact-check the information. AI programs can make mistakes, so it's a good idea to always double-check any facts they give you by looking at reliable sources. This helps you use your own critical thinking skills and ensures your work is accurate.