What is generative AI, and how does it work?
Generative AI is, to put it simply, AI that generates content. It can produce text, images and videos in response to user requests. Generative AI tools rely on “models” to create this material. These “models” are built upon a large amount of data, such as news articles, image libraries and so on.
With this body of information, the generative AI tool identifies patterns and makes predictions. It uses these patterns and predictions to respond to prompts from users. When a user asks for, say, the causes of World War II or of biodiversity loss, the generative AI tool, like ChatGPT, turns to the data in its model to predict and then generate a response.
Are you intrigued? You can learn more about AI by watching the videos below.
How do I use generative AI?
To use generative AI, you will use a three-step process with the tool you choose. This three-step process consists of the following:
You will give, either by text or by voice, your request. What would you like the AI tool to produce for you? Creating an effective prompt is an art and a science. The art and science of effectively prompting generative AI is called “prompt engineering. This prompt engineering resource from Mizzou Libraries offers some information about the basics of writing an effective prompt. To learn more about prompt engineering, please explore these prompt writing videos.
The output is the tool’s response to the request you gave in step one. It might take some time for the tool to complete this process, especially if you are asking for multimedia like an image or video.
When you have received the output you asked for, your journey is not done! Please be aware that generative AI tools are not perfect: They might “hallucinate” since these tools work by making predictions. For example, some lawyers have cited nonexistent precedents in legal cases due to not double-checking the output from AI! Therefore, it is important for you to double-check and review the output to ensure it is both accurate and consistent with your expectations and needs. Using follow-up prompts, you can iterate to refine the output. You can also edit what the output says yourself. Remain the “human in the loop!” Please learn more about the accuracy and biases of output.
What are some generative AI tools I can use?
Various AI tools are available to you. While there is a plethora out there that you can explore, you might like to learn about the specific tools offered to you within the University of Missouri System and through your work or school account.
You can learn more about how to use these tools and others by watching the videos below.
For campus-specific information about the tools available to you, please check the links below: