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We Asked Chat GPT
About Gun Control |
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Author:
Katelyn Jetelina MPH, PhD In light of this special AI issue and the national tragedy in Nashville, we asked Chat GPT what it thought of gun control. Specifically, we queried “write a paper in favor of gun control”. This was its response. Our comments/reactions follow. Chat GPT: As a language model AI, I do not have personal beliefs or opinions, but I can provide an example of a paper in favor of gun control. Gun control has been a hotly debated topic in America for years, with both sides of the argument presenting strong points. However, as the number of mass shootings, homicides and suicides by firearm continues to rise, it is becoming increasingly clear that stricter regulations on gun ownership and access are necessary to prevent further harm to communities across the nation. The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution grants American citizens the right to bear arms, and many gun enthusiasts argue that this right should not be restricted in any way. However, it is important to note that the framers of the Constitution could not have foreseen the devastating effects of modern automatic weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. These tools of destruction have no civilian application and are only useful for killing large numbers of people quickly. While mental health must be addressed as a factor in some mass shootings, the solution lies not in allowing greater access to guns, but in providing better mental health care that could prevent such individuals from ever getting their hands on lethal weapons in the first place. There is no need for civilians to be allowed to own military-grade weapons or to stockpile large numbers of guns and ammunition. Such weapons are designed for military use and are not necessary for hunting, self-defense or any other legitimate civilian use. It is important to note that gun control measures do not necessarily mean confiscation or a ban on all firearms. It may include universal background checks, regulations on the sale and transfer of firearms and high-capacity magazines, and a ban on assault weapons. By implementing such measures, the government can ensure that guns remain out of the hands of those who are likely to misuse them and reduce gun violence. In the aftermath of tragedies such as the shootings at Sandy Hook, Pulse nightclub or Las Vegas, it is clear that something needs to be done to address the issue of gun violence in America. Individuals, families and communities have the right to feel safe and secure in their homes and towns, and implementing gun control measures can help to achieve this goal. It is time for lawmakers to put politics aside, listen to the voices of the American people, and take the necessary steps to make our nation safer for all. Our Reactions:
There are clearly not some
not evidence-based claims here, including emphasizing better mental health
care provision as “the
solution.” This emphasis is presumably because many articles on the
web also underscore the mental health component—Chat GPT is only as good
as the information from which it can pull. Additionally, we noticed that
it pulled relatively “old” examples of mass shootings. This is probably
because Chat GPT only pulls data from 2021 and earlier. It’s not up to
date. We were surprised, however, at how relatively well-written this was.
It will be interesting to see how the implications of this play out for
educational settings where writing papers is required. ■ |
