Guides @ UF: Introduction to Library Research: Encountering AI

Encountering generative AI in search tools

What is AI-Powered Search?

AI-powered search uses advanced technologies like machine learning and natural language processing to make online searching faster and more personalized. Tools like ChatGPT are examples of generative AI, which can create text, answer questions, and summarize information.

Now, traditional search engines like Google Search and Microsoft Bing are adding AI features (like Gemini and Copilot) to better understand and respond to your questions. At the same time, new AI-based search engines like Perplexity AI are being developed to offer even more advanced search experiences.

What Should You Watch Out For?

While AI tools can be helpful, they also raise some important ethical concerns:

Bias: AI can reflect or even amplify social and cultural biases.
Privacy: Your data might be collected, stored, or used in ways you didn’t expect.
Copyright: AI may reuse or remix content without proper credit to the original creators.
Environment: Running large AI models uses a lot of energy and can impact the environment.
Hallucinations: AI can give confident but incorrect answers. To avoid being misled, you must always check the sources the AI tool provides and verify the information.

Example: You ask an AI search engine for sources on the Harlem Renaissance. It quickly gives you a summary and links to an academic article. However when you read it closely you notice one of the historical dates is wrong. This shows why it's important to double-check the facts and verify the sources AI provides.

Tips for Using AI Search Tools

Always check the sources.
Don’t rely on AI for final answers, use it to guide your research.
Be aware of what data you’re sharing.

Want to Explore More Tools?

Generative AI Product Tracker: Provides an up to date list of generative AI tools.

Citing AI

When citing AI within your writing/publication, consult the relevant citation guidelines: