Generative AI is the process of AI algorithms generating or creating an output – such as text, photo, video, code, data and 3D renderings – from data on which they are trained. The purpose of generative AI is to create content – as opposed to other forms of AI – which might be used for other purposes, such as analyzing data or helping to control a self-driving car.
The term generative AI is causing a buzz because of the increasing popularity of generative AI programs, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and DALL-E. The conversational chatbot and AI image generator, respectively, both use generative AI to produce new content.
Source: What is generative AI and why is it so popular? Here's everything you need to know | ZDNET
An AI chatbot (also called AI writer) refers to a type of artificial intelligence-powered program that is capable of generating written content from a user’s input prompt. AI chatbots are capable of writing anything from a rap song to an essay upon a user's request. The extent of what each chatbot is specifically able to write about depends on its individual capabilities including whether it is connected to a search engine or not.
Source: The best AI chatbots of 2023: ChatGPT and alternatives | ZDNET
AI chatbots use language models to train the AI to produce human-like responses. Some are connected to the web and that is how they have up-to-date information, while others depend solely on the information they are trained with.
Source: The best AI chatbots of 2023: ChatGPT and alternatives | ZDNET
The main difference between an AI chatbot and an AI writer is the type of output they generate and their primary function. In the past, an AI writer was used specifically to generate written content, such as articles, stories, or poetry, based on a given prompt or input. An AI writer’s output is in the form of written text that mimics human-like language and structure. On the other hand, an AI chatbot is designed to conduct real-time conversations with users in text or voice-based interactions. The primary function of an AI chatbot is to answer questions, provide recommendations, or even perform simple tasks, and its output is in the form of text-based conversations.
While the terms AI chatbot and AI writer are now used interchangeably by some, the original distinction was that an AI writer was used for generating written content, while an AI chatbot was used for conversational purposes. However, with the introduction of more advanced AI technology, such as ChatGPT, the line between the two has become increasingly blurred. Some AI chatbots are now capable of generating text-based responses that mimic human-like language and structure, similar to an AI writer.
Source: The best AI chatbots of 2023: ChatGPT and alternatives | ZDNET
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guide provides an introduction to this evolving field for faculty, fellows, residents, postdocs, students, and staff. Due to the rapid advancement of this emerging technology, information in the Guide may become outdated at times.
For information on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Security and Privacy, see Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Security and Privacy - Information Resources (utsouthwestern.net), VPN/On Campus access only. NOTE: this Guide supplements but does not supersede information provided by UT Southwestern or University of Texas policies and guidelines.