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Artificial Intelligence

SCC's guide to using AI ethically and effectively for research and coursework

The Potential Issues with AI

An inforgraphic detailing the risks of AI ToolsBias

AI tools are trained using a variety of sources on the internet, including sites such as Reddit. As a result, AI can provide biased responses and use perpetuated stereotypes.

Hallucinations

AI tools will compile their responses from many sources, which may result in putting together fake quotes and even compiling a list of fake sources. This is known as a hallucination. You should always double-check the sources provided by AI. If you cannot find the original source, chances are high it is a hallucination.

Lack of Sources or Weak Sources

Depending on the AI tool you use, you may deal with more or less hallucinations. Some AI tools do not provide any sources unless you specifically request sources (and they may even make up sources). Other AI tools provide sources, but they are not generally high-quality sources. For example, if you are asked to find literary criticism, most AI tools will only search the web and find results from sources like SparkNotes or Wikipedia, which are generally frowned upon for academic research. There are few AI tools that search in library databases (and not any here at SCC yet).

Misinformation

AI tools may provide misinformation. Again, remember that AI tools have been trained using everything from online encyclopedias to Reddit threads.

Out of Date

Technology changes quickly, but some AI tools do not have access to the most up-to-date information. This means you may receive results that are no longer current.

Plagiarism Risks

Using AI tools ups the your chances of being accused of plagiarism. If you use generative AI tools for your academic assignments and do not cite these tools, it is considered plagiarism. In addition, instructors are using plagiarism detection tools. AI is not a person and will not be held accountable for plagiarizing materials, but you will. 

The infographic on this page was made using AI.

"Create an infographic for AI Tools Risk" prompt. Piktochart AI, Piktochart., 21 Nov. 2024, https://piktochart.com/.

Stay Safe When Using AI

If your instructor does allow you to use generative AI tools for class, use them ethically and responsibly.

  • Cite your use of generative AI tools.
  • Always fact check the information received from AI. Make sure it is not biased or out of date. Check its accuracy.
  • Perform a citation check. You should be able to find a source online if it is listed as a source by the AI tool you used. If you can't find the cite, this is a red flag. 

Learn More 

The following videos go into detail about the potential issues with AI.

Subjects: General, Research Tips