Generative AI is best used as a writing tool to support your academic work but not as the final product itself.
It is important to understand the limitations of the generative AI that you are using. Just as we have stated in previous sections, it is important to check the accuracy of the content that it generates and use it alongside other sources instead of the primary source. You never know when the information is not correct. Using generated work as your own as a primary source is not your own work and is plagiarism. Know how to cite generative AI.
Skills in writing, critical thinking, evaluation, and analysis are important in furthering and developing your education and are important the working field. Reducing your exposure to this limits your practice on developing your skills in these areas. Generative AI can help open the doors into the academic world but knowing how to navigate the space is important as well. If using generative AI is what you are wanting to do, then using generative AI wisely is an important balance you will need to take. Do not overly rely in generative AI.
Just as you need to evaluate your sources that you use academically, you will need to weigh and evaluate your need and use of generative AI in your coursework and everyday use. Check out our section on Digital Literacy on how to sharpen your evaluation tools.
