Research Guides: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools: Introduction to AI Tools

Introduction to AI Tools

WI+RE's Introduction to A.I. Chatbots
A self-guided tutorial using examples from the health sciences. Check out more WI+RE resources for research and writing help.
How ChatGPT Actually Works
Blog from emerging tech company from December 2022.
All you need to know about ChatGPT, the A.I. chatbot that’s got the world talking and tech giants clashing
CNBC article Feb 2023
Not all AI is created equal. Here's the tech worth trying.
Washington Post article from Feb 2023
Artificial Intelligence and the Research Paper: A Librarian’s Perspective
From SMU Libraries, January 2023. Includes a section on "Ways ChatGPT Can Fail."
You Are Not a Parrot And a chatbot is not a human. And a linguist named Emily M. Bender is very worried what will happen when we forget this.
NYMag article from March 2023
ChatGPT is a Blurry JPEG of the Web
New Yorker article from February 2023 that compares ChatGPT to a blurry JPEG of the web that approximates text using statistical regularities.
Why researchers warn, ‘AI is not the revolution sold to you’
An article on Medium from April 2023 highlighting concerns about data transparency, terrible working conditions of data labelers and content moderators, and the lack of ethical concerns by many championing the AI boom.
Stochastic Parrots Day Reading List
A reading list on the dangers of unregulated AI usage compiled by participants of Stochastic Parrots Day on March 17, 2023.
Futurepedia
Directory of AI tools, includes reviews and ability to browse/sort by category.
Introduction to Generative A.I. guide from UC San Diego Library
Includes tabs with discussions of ethical use, academic integrity, how to cite, and more.

Discussion and Portrayal of AI in Popular Media

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Artificial Intelligence
Feb 26, 2023 (nonacademic, popular perspective)
The Simpsons S34.E15 - Bartless
Homer and Marge imagine a world where Bart isn't a Simpson after his latest prank causes chaos at Springfield Elementary.
Authors including Sarah Silverman sue A.I. for copyright infringement
Rolling Stone, November 2023
This American Life - NPR - That Other Guy, May 31, 2024
Act II "I Wish I Knew How to Force Quit You"
Writer Simon Rich grapples with an A.I. chatbot that threatens to make him obsolete. (21 minutes)
When A.I. Competes: Deepseek vs. Open A.I. Explained
February, 2025 - Comedian and Daily Show correspondent, Josh Johnson discusses the conflict between competitive A.I. producers in the context of a street fight, recorded live at the Cleveland Theater.