By Dr. Alexandra Middlewood, AMUN Associate Executive Director

Model United Nations (MUN) conferences have long been a platform for students to engage in international diplomacy, simulate real-world issues, and sharpen their research, negotiation and public speaking skills. In recent years, the integration of artificial intelligence, particularly chatbots like ChatGPT, has been proposed as a tool to assist representatives during these conferences. While the idea of leveraging AI to enhance the MUN experience may seem promising, it is crucial to weigh the pros and cons before embracing this technological evolution.

The Pros:

Instant Information Access: ChatGPT provides a treasure trove of information that can be quickly accessed, enabling representatives to research topics, resolutions, and historical context with speed and precision. This can significantly enhance the depth of their knowledge and the quality of their arguments.

Round-the-Clock Availability: Unlike human research assistants who may need breaks or sleep, ChatGPT operates 24/7. This means representatives can access information at any time, facilitating last-minute preparations and ensuring that they’re always well-informed.

Multilingual Support: ChatGPT can communicate in multiple languages, helping representatives bridge language barriers, understand foreign perspectives, and foster a more inclusive dialogue among participants from diverse backgrounds.

Consistency: AI, like ChatGPT, offers consistency in providing information. It ensures that all representatives have access to the same data, reducing disparities in research capabilities and enhancing fairness in debate.

Reduced Human Error: ChatGPT can assist with fact-checking and proofreading, reducing the chances of human errors that might affect the accuracy and credibility of a representative’s speech or resolution.

The Cons:

Loss of Human Interaction: One of the primary draws of MUN conferences is the development of interpersonal skills. Introducing ChatGPT as a research assistant may limit the need for collaboration and personal interaction among representatives, potentially diminishing the conference’s educational value.

AI Bias: ChatGPT is not immune to the biases present in its training data. Representatives may inadvertently propagate biased or inaccurate information if they rely solely on AI-generated content. This could lead to distorted debates and decisions.

Overreliance on Technology: Representatives might become overly dependent on ChatGPT, potentially neglecting their own critical thinking skills and research abilities. The ability to evaluate and synthesize information is crucial, and too much reliance on AI could hinder the development of these skills.

Privacy Concerns: MUN conferences often involve sensitive diplomatic matters. Using AI in this context raises questions about data privacy and confidentiality. Representatives must consider the potential risks of sharing sensitive information with AI systems.

Access and Equity: Not all participants may have access to the same level of technology or familiarity with AI. This creates a digital divide, potentially disadvantaging students who lack access to AI tools, further skewing the competitive landscape.

Unpredictable Behavior: AI systems like ChatGPT can occasionally produce inaccurate, unexpected, or inappropriate responses. Representatives must be vigilant to ensure that the information they receive is accurate and appropriate for a diplomatic setting.

The use of ChatGPT or similar AI tools at Model United Nations conferences offers both advantages and disadvantages. Representatives and Faculty Advisors should consider these factors carefully before integrating AI into the MUN experience. It’s crucial to strike a balance between the benefits of quick access to information and the preservation of the core values of MUN, such as human interaction, diplomacy, and the development of critical thinking skills.

While AMUN strongly discourages the use of generative AI to write resolutions in their entirety due to the potential problems outlined above, the Secretariat will not police its use during the writing process. It is the responsibility of representatives to work collaboratively with members of their committee to write resolutions that reflect the will of the body. It is also the responsibility of representatives, working groups, and the body as a whole to use generative AI responsibly and effectively.

Ultimately, AI should be viewed as a complement rather than a replacement for traditional research methods and human interaction. It can enhance the quality of debate and research, but it should not overshadow the core educational goals and principles of Model United Nations. As technology continues to evolve, it’s essential to adapt and integrate it thoughtfully, ensuring that MUN conferences remain a platform for fostering the next generation of global leaders.

Note: This content was generated using ChatGPT using the prompt “Write an approximately 500 word blog post about the pros and cons of using ChatGPT at a Model United Nations conference.” and then edited by the author. It is important to note that even a generative AI chatbot like ChatGPT readily acknowledges its own limitations, as evidenced above. The original transcript can be found here.