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GenAI FAQs

Basics

Need some help developing a basic understanding of GenAI? Browse these frequently asked questions for a quick, high-level introduction.

Q: Let's start with the basics. What is AI?
Artificial intelligence, or AI, involves using computers and software to perform tasks traditionally requiring human intelligence. 
Q: What is machine learning?
Machine learning, often abbreviated as ML, is a subset of AI that focuses on enabling computers to extract insights from data. This is done by using algorithms to make informed decisions or predictions. ML differs from traditional programming, where computers perform tasks based on established instructions. 

Need more clarity? Let's say we want a computer to recognize images of dogs. Instead of giving the computer instructions on what a dog looks like, we would provide it with many images of dogs, enabling the algorithm to figure out the recurring patterns and features associated with a dog. Over time, the algorithm would become adept at identifying dogs.
Q: What is a large language model?
A large language model, or LLM, uses mathematical principles to understand the relationship between words and sentences. It can predict what words might come next in a sentence based on prior training data. 
Q: What is generative AI? How is it different from regular AI?
Generative AI, or GenAI, refers to a subset of AI that uses prompts to analyze data, detect patterns, and then create new or original content, like text, images, or even computer code.
Q:  What is prompt engineering, and how does it enable GenAI?
A prompt is the starting point for generating AI responses. Simply put, a prompt is just a way of telling the AI what task you want it to perform, like asking it a question or giving it an instruction. The more precise and specific you are with your prompt, the better the AI can understand what you need and give you the correct answer or result. The term "prompt engineering" is about creating clear and useful instructions— or prompts — so the GenAI knows what you want it to do.
Q: What are some of the applications for GenAI in day-to-day business operations?
GenAI can help us innovate by creating fresh content, discovering trends and extracting insights from data, summarizing information efficiently, and automating solutions and processes.
Q: Why is there suddenly so much hype around GenAI?
 GenAI attracted mainstream attention with the public release of ChatGPT in late 2022. 
Q: What is ChatGPT?
 ChatGPT is a conversation AI developed by a company called Open AI. It simulates human-like, text-based interactions. Noteworthy competitors to ChatGPT include Google's Gemini, Microsoft's Bing Chat, Meta's Llama 2, and Amazon's Codewhisperer.

Ethics, safety, and privacy

If used well, GenAI has the potential for positive impact. But if used carelessly, it brings risks.

Q: What are some of the ethical concerns surrounding GenAI?

Concerns about GenAI revolve around several key areas:

  • Accuracy: GenAI is known to hallucinate by providing inaccurate, misleading or incomplete information.
  • Bias: GenAI tools have the potential to perpetuate biases present in the data they are trained on, exacerbating existing inequities.
  • Digital divide: GenAI may widen the gap between those who have access to AI tools and resources and those who don't. 
  • Ethics: GenAI-generated content can make it difficult to determine who created a piece of work.
Q: What are some privacy and security surrounding GenAI?

When using AI, you should err on the side of caution when it comes to what you input with a generative AI platform. Also, consider disabling options related to saved history to prevent the information from being logged or tracked for training model purposes. Avoid inputting any sensitive data, such as Moderate or High Risk Data, whether using a personal or Stanford account with a third-party AI platform or tool that is not covered by a Stanford Business Associates Agreement. Review Stanford approved services by data risk classification. 

Have more questions? Start a discussion with ISO.

Q: How can I learn more about using AI responsibly?
 Security and privacy experts at Stanford, including the Information Security Office (ISO), offer considerations for GenAI with a new site: Responsible AI at Stanford (responsibleai.stanford.edu).