Old Gen AI guide (don't use))

Here are some things to keep in mind when you use a generative AI tool.

Do's

• When appropriate, use a GenAI tool as an aid, not as a learning substitute. Assignments allow you to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. If you rely solely on a GenAI tool to do the work for you, you will miss out on valuable learning experiences.
• Always evaluate the GenAI output for both factual accuracy and bias (use the tips in the box below or ask a librarian). Never assume that the information that is generated is correct as AI tools have a tendency to hallucinate or make things up. If you need factual information, use trusted, authoritative sources.
• Read the terms of use that the company provides. This could be general guidelines or policies, FAQs, etc. In some cases, it will tell you what the limitations of the tool are for a user. You'll usually need to create an account by providing an email address or phone number. You need to understand how the tool will use your personal data, and what you will give up in exchange for your use of the tool. Policies and transparency about generative AI tools varies widely. 

Don'ts

• Do not include any personal, sensitive, or confidential information in your prompts, even if you have turned off the ability for the tool to use your inputs for training. Check the privacy settings before you use a tool.

How to opt out of having your data ‘train’ ChatGPT and other AI chatbots (Washington Post, 5/31/24

Evaluating all information for credibility is highly recommended, regardless of where you find it. This is especially true for generative AI output as it is known to "hallucinate" citations.

Here are two strategies for evaluating content provided by generative AI tools:

1. Lateral Reading

Don't take what the GenAI tool tells you at face value. Look to see if other reliable sources contain the same information and can confirm the response. This could be as simple as searching for a Wikipedia entry on the topic or doing an internet search to see if a person GenAI tool mentions exists. 

Watch Crash Course's "Check Yourself with Lateral Reading" video (14 min.) to learn more.

• Check Yourself with Lateral Reading: Crash Course Navigating Digital Information

2. Verify Citations

If a generative AI tool provides a reference, confirm that the source exists. Trying copying the title into a search tool like Google Scholar or LibSearch. Do an internet search for the lead author or for the publication. Are they real?

Here's a real-life example of a fake citation: Williams, A., & Patel, S. (2020). Cost-Effectiveness of Genetic Therapy. Stanford Health Policy Review, 29(4), 78-92. Looks like an appropriately cited scholarly journal article, right? A search did not turn up this article, and also confirmed that the Stanford Health Policy Review doesn't exist. You may find that parts of a citation are correct but if the whole thing isn't accurate you've been duped.

The other thing to check is if the AI-generated content matches the content of the original source. The source may exist, but the content may not be accurate.

Have you seen the AI Overview at the top of your Google search result? Use the sources at the bottom rather than relying on the summary. Google even cautions, "Generative AI is experimental."

From the Carolina AI Literacy Collaborative.

Like any tool, artificial intelligence can be used appropriately, and inappropriately. Reflect on how you use these tools by asking yourself these questions:

• Am I using these tools with integrity?
• Am I willing to accept responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of any AI content I use in my work?
• Am I in compliance with the guidance from my course instructors and university policy?
• Am I short-changing my learning by using a GenAI tool?
• Am I over relying on my use of them?
• Have I appropriately acknowledged or cited any use of GenAI in my work?