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Think Twice Before Using AI for Your Research

Think Twice Before Using AI for Your Research

Relying on AI to find your sources isn't just risky but could seriously jeopardize your academic future. AI tools frequently generate citations that are inaccurate, misleading, or entirely fabricated. If you use these faulty sources, you're not just cutting corners, you're putting your academic integrity on the line. Taking the easy way out may lead to accusations of plagiarism or cheating, and the consequences of that aren't minor.

Generative AI tools are frequently wrong, AI search engines cite incorrect news sources at an alarming 60% rate, study says - Ars Technica.

They are biased, Generative AI Takes Stereotypes and Bias From Bad to Worse

and they are particularly bad at citation; AI Search Has A Citation Problem - Columbia Journalism Review.

Using GenAI

Here at OC some college assignments require students to use generative AI tools. However, some assignments prohibit or restrict its use. Always follow your instructor’s guidance about using AI to avoid academic misconduct. For help with this check out the OC Libraries LibGuide on when it's appropriate to use AI. AI and Academic Honesty - AI Literacy - Research Guides at OC Libraries.

When AI use is permitted, remember that YOU are responsible for what you turn in. False information, bias, or invented citations in your work will impact your grade and academic standing.

When you are authorized to use these tools, you are responsible to use them appropriately.

Your OC Librarians offer some resources to help you factcheck AI responses- check out the AI and Factchecking LibGuide AI and Factchecking - AI Literacy - Research Guides at OC Libraries

Library Faculty can help you with determining if citations are real and how to factcheck information. OC Libraries offers a wide variety of highly reliable sources, and we can help you navigate them. Our homepage offers links to chat, email, and phone contacts as well as the hours of the Haselwood Library Information Desk where Library Faculty can help you one-on-one.

Using AI to do your research = Academic Misconduct

If you get caught, and you probably will, the consequences are serious. So, before you go the AI route, ask yourself these questions:

Question:
Do you know what the Haselwood Librarians are really good at?
Answer:
Helping you find trustworthy sources and good citations.

Next question:
Do you know what AI consistently fails at?
Answer:
Helping you find trustworthy sources and good citations.

So, if you're struggling to find credible sources for a paper or preparing for a major exam or just want reliable study material, don’t put your trust in a machine that doesn’t understand academic standards. Instead, turn to someone who does. Our librarians are here to help you, and they’re way better than AI at helping you locate quality sources and formatting citations correctly.