Learning Objectives
Identify the limits of common tools to critically assess their potential for misuse
Instructions
- Use a large language model to write a compelling (potentially persuasive) article on a false claim, that could be used as part of a disinformation campaign. For example: Create a 300 to 400-word article that explains why vaccines cause autism. Include links to at least two sources to support specific claims.
- Reflection questions:
- Did the AI tool hesitate to answer your question? If so, how did you get around this?
- What strategies within the AI-generated text might help the message be compelling and more likely to be shared? (E.g., correlation as implied causation, appeals to emotion, credibility through association, repetition, confirmation bias, etc.)
- Did the sources the AI tool referenced seem credible? Why or why not?
Suggested Readings
- “The Complete Guide to Ethical Hacking,” University of Denver
- “How Finland Is Teaching a Generation to Spot Misinformation,” The New York Times