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CounterQuill: Investigating the Potential of Human-AI Collaboration in Online Counterspeech Writing

Project Overview

The document explores the innovative application of generative AI in education through the platform CounterQuill, which helps users develop empathetic counterspeech against online hate speech. This AI-driven tool utilizes a human-centered approach, guiding users through a structured process that includes learning about hate speech, brainstorming effective counterspeech strategies, and collaborating with AI to co-write responses. A user study demonstrated that CounterQuill significantly enhances users' confidence and comprehension regarding hate speech, while also promoting a sense of authorship and ownership in their writing. Overall, the findings suggest that generative AI can play a crucial role in education by empowering individuals to engage thoughtfully in online discourse and equipping them with the skills to navigate and counter hate speech effectively.

Key Applications

CounterQuill

Context: Educational tool for everyday users to write counterspeech against online hate speech

Implementation: Utilizes a three-stage workflow: learning session, brainstorming session, and co-writing session, incorporating AI assistance.

Outcomes: Participants reported increased confidence in crafting counterspeech and a better understanding of hate speech dynamics.

Challenges: Participants faced initial uncertainties and emotional burdens when engaging with hate speech and counterspeech writing.

Implementation Barriers

User-related barrier

Users often feel overwhelmed by the complexity of identifying hate speech and crafting appropriate responses.

Proposed Solutions: The CounterQuill system breaks down the writing process into manageable steps, enhancing user confidence through structured learning.

Technical barrier

Many users, especially those without technical backgrounds, struggle with traditional AI tools that require prompt engineering or manual adjustment.

Proposed Solutions: CounterQuill's intuitive natural language interface minimizes the need for technical expertise, making the tool accessible to all users.

Project Team

Xiaohan Ding

Researcher

Kaike Ping

Researcher

Uma Sushmitha Gunturi

Researcher

Buse Carik

Researcher

Sophia Stil

Researcher

Lance T Wilhelm

Researcher

Taufiq Daryanto

Researcher

James Hawdon

Researcher

Sang Won Lee

Researcher

Eugenia H Rho

Researcher

Contact Information

For information about the paper, please contact the authors.

Authors: Xiaohan Ding, Kaike Ping, Uma Sushmitha Gunturi, Buse Carik, Sophia Stil, Lance T Wilhelm, Taufiq Daryanto, James Hawdon, Sang Won Lee, Eugenia H Rho

Source Publication: View Original PaperLink opens in a new window

Project Contact: Dr. Jianhua Yang

LLM Model Version: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

Analysis Provider: Openai

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