Leena Bath Publishes in Undergraduate Journal of Contemporary Issues and Media

Leena Bath, technical communication and rhetoric undergraduate student, recently published a paper, “Society’s New Oracle: An Ethical Analysis of ChatGPT and Its Influence,” in the Undergraduate Journal of Contemporary Issues and Media.

Her project, which focuses on Michel Foucalt ethics and how that fits into large language models like ChatGPT, stemmed from Professor Jared Colton’s course, TCR 4220: Technology and Activism. “I got interested in ChatGPT not long after its release and immediately recognized the large ethical dilemmas it posed,” Leena says. “My article actually grew out of my final project for that course, and I wouldn’t have thought to frame it through Foucauldian ethics without the focus we had in that class.” 

For Leena, looking at the intersection between Foucauldian theories on normalization, surveillance, and autonomy and ChatGPT’s ethical implications was both interesting and relevant to today’s society. “My paper digs into how AI can subtly reinforce dominant norms, flatten individuality, and threaten cultural diversity—while still being undeniably useful,” Leena comments. “Ultimately, it’s a call for conscious, critical engagement. If we’re going to use AI, we need to do so with awareness, intention, and a commitment to preserving what makes us human.” 

Jared mentioned the undergraduate journal to Leena as a potential avenue for publication. It focuses on relevant global topics, and the current issue Leena’s paper appears in examines the impact of artificial intelligence in modern society.  

“It felt like the perfect place to contribute my ideas,” Leena reflects. “After the paper was accepted, I got paired with an editor, which was one of the most rewarding parts of the whole process. She really helped me sharpen my writing and bring out the core of what I was trying to say.” 

Leena says having her work published in the journal was an invaluable experience to grow as a writer and researcher, as well as to accomplish something she’s always wanted to do. “I’ve always wanted to see my name in something published, and having it be a topic I care so much about makes it even more meaningful,” she comments. “It makes me excited about future opportunities.” 

Congratulations, Leena!