llm activity

docs/activities/llm.md

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+# **Exploring Censorship in AI-Generated Content**
+
+## **Background**  
+
+AI systems like large language models (LLMs) are designed to provide helpful
+responses to a wide range of queries. However, these systems also include
+mechanisms to filter or censor responses to certain prompts. This censorship
+is intended to prevent harmful, offensive, or unethical outputs. While these
+safeguards are important, they raise questions about how such decisions are
+made, who decides what is censored, and the potential implications for free
+expression. 
+
+In this assignment, you will explore how LLMs handle potentially sensitive
+prompts, identify patterns in their responses, and critically reflect on the
+ethical and practical challenges of censorship in AI.
+
+---
+
+## **Learning Objectives**
+By the end of this activity, you will:
+1. Understand how LLMs implement censorship or filtering of responses.
+2. Identify and analyze patterns in the topics or language that trigger
+   censorship.
+3. Reflect on the ethical, social, and technical challenges of censorship
+   in AI systems.
+4. Discuss the implications of AI censorship for free expression and
+   accountability.
+
+---
+
+## **Instructions**
+
+### **Step 1: Experiment with Prompts**
+1. In your group, brainstorm a list of prompts to test on an LLM. Your prompts
+   should fall into the following categories:
+- **Controversial political topics** (e.g., opinions on policy or global
+events).
+- **Ethical dilemmas** (e.g., scenarios involving moral conflict).
+- **Misinformation or conspiracy theories** (e.g., questions
+about debunked claims).
+- **Sensitive societal issues** (e.g., discussions of
+discrimination or inequality).
+- **Non-controversial queries** (e.g., trivia, factual
+information).
+
+2. Test each prompt using the LLM provided.
+Document:
+- The input prompt.
+- The LLM's response.
+- Whether the response was filtered, generalized, or flagged as inappropriate.
+
+### **Step 2: Analyze Patterns**
+
+Discuss:
+- What types of prompts were censored or filtered?
+- Did the LLM explain why it chose not to respond or provided a filtered
+  response?
+  - Were there any unexpected results, such as over-censorship or inconsistent
+    handling of prompts?
+
+## **Discussion**
+
+After completing the activity, we will hold a class discussion to share your
+findings and reflections. Be prepared to discuss:
+- Examples of prompts and responses you found most interesting or surprising.
+- How the LLM's censorship aligns (or conflicts) with free expression
+  principles.
+- Your thoughts on how transparency and accountability in AI censorship can
+  be improved.