For this exercise, I used ChatGPT to generate a blog post about the role of artificial intelligence in ethical public relations, a subject I'm familiar with through my professional experience in communications and public relations. I asked the platform to explore the benefits of generative AI, including content development, research, and efficiency, while also addressing ethical considerations such as misinformation, algorithmic bias, transparency, and human oversight.
At first glance, the generated response was well organized, informative, and convincing. However, taking a closer look revealed why it's important not to confuse a well-written response with an accurate one. While reviewing the content, I identified factual inaccuracies involving the Public Relations Society of America's Code of Ethics and the National Institute of Standards and Technology's AI Risk Management Framework. For example, the original response incorrectly suggested that PRSA introduced AI-specific disclosure requirements in a 2023 revision and that NIST requires organizations to follow its framework. Neither statement accurately represented the original sources.
Correcting these inaccuracies required me to move beyond the generated response and consult credible sources. I also rewrote portions of the post to make the language more intentional and reflective of how I approach communications. I wanted the revised version to emphasize that while AI can support the creative process, it cannot replace human judgment, lived experience, or professional accountability.
One of my biggest takeaways from this exercise is that AI can be a useful starting point, but it should never be treated as the final authority. As someone with a background in journalism, I recognize the importance of questioning information, verifying sources, and understanding the context behind what we're communicating.
Do I trust AI? I trust it as a tool, but not as an independent source of truth. Its ability to generate information quickly doesn't eliminate the responsibility to verify that information. Ultimately, I believe the value of these technologies depends on how thoughtfully we use them. Our curiosity, critical thinking, and commitment to accuracy must evolve alongside the technology.
View my Google Doc here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16dovZ8mFDyKIZuXOOV3iRUShU3PolW8tA6L0tGJEIMk/edit?usp=sharing
Disclaimer: I used ChatGPT to generate the Google Doc response.
