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🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Technology

Sydney academic's AI-written opinion piece urging students to avoid tech removed by newspaper

From The Guardian · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A Sydney academic used artificial intelligence to write an opinion piece for the Sydney Morning Herald, urging students to avoid using AI to cheat.
  • The newspaper removed the article, deeming the use of AI by the author unacceptable.
  • Western Sydney University stated the academic's use of AI was appropriate, creating a conflict.

A Sydney academic's opinion piece advocating against student AI use was removed by the Sydney Morning Herald after it was revealed the author herself used AI to write it. The article, penned by Cath Ellis, a pro vice-chancellor at Western Sydney University, argued that students should "do the work" themselves rather than rely on technology to "cut corners."

do the work

— Cath EllisThe opinion piece written by Cath Ellis urged students to avoid using AI to cut corners.

The Sydney Morning Herald ultimately decided the piece was "unacceptable" and took it down from its website. This decision highlights the ongoing debate and scrutiny surrounding the use of AI in academic and journalistic contexts.

unacceptable

— Sydney Morning HeraldThe newspaper's description of the opinion piece after discovering AI was used in its creation.

Adding a layer of complexity, Western Sydney University defended Ellis's use of AI, stating it was "appropriate." This stance from the university contrasts with the newspaper's editorial decision, creating a notable tension between academic freedom and journalistic integrity.

appropriate

— Western Sydney UniversityThe university's defense of its pro vice-chancellor's use of AI in writing the opinion piece.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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