Days ago I shared on social networks that insects, instead of becoming extinct, tend to evolve quickly thanks to their vast populations. The idea, although supported by studies, unleashed everything from insults to corrections.
The curious thing was not the criticisms themselves, but rather that many argued using artificial intelligence platforms as a source, instead of scientific studies or bibliographical references.
This increasingly common phenomenon raises a disturbing question: Why are people abandoning traditional sources, such as books and academic articles, to rely on AI tools?
Discover how AI is transforming our relationship with information, its advantages, its dangers and why we should not forget the value of books.
Immediacy and accessibility of AI
While searching for information in a book, an academic database, or even an online article requires time, patience, and some skill in filtering results, a platform like ChatGPT provides answers in seconds.
In addition, the answers are usually structured in understandable language, eliminating technical terms that could be an obstacle in more specialized sources.
This democratizes access to knowledge, especially for people without academic training or with limited time. On the other hand, AI overcomes barriers to access paid materials or restricted publications.
However, this convenience comes at a cost: in the speed of obtaining answers, we often do not verify their veracity or depth, blindly trusting what the AI tells us.
Blind trust in technology
The trust that many people place in artificial intelligence platforms is not coincidental; It is based on a perception of technological authority.
When interacting with an AI that responds in an articulate and coherent manner, we tend to assume that its answers are correct,without questioning their origin or the methodology behind them.
AI generates responses based on statistical patterns, not self-knowledge or conscious selection criteria. However, your ability to “sound” trustworthy fosters the illusion that you are always right.
Cases in which AI has delivered everything from false references to simplistic explanations are a warning of its limitations. Despite this, many continue to rely on these tools,especially because they provide an effortless experience.
An explosive mixture
The increasing reliance on AI platforms has created an explosive mix when combined with the Dunning-Kruger effect, a psychological phenomenon where people with less knowledge about a topic overestimate their understanding.
The immediacy of AI reinforces this dynamic: by receiving clear and compelling answers, users may believe they understand a topic in depth, when in reality they have only gained a superficial and possibly biased view.
Regarding my networking experience with insects, many responded using AIs to refute my argument. The speed of the AI’s responses led people to believe that they had knowledge on the subject, without questioning the information.
This overconfidence encourages the spread of incorrect information. Worse yet, that information can be shared, reinforcing false biases in others who trust your judgment. Thus, misinformation spreads, disguised as legitimate knowledge.
But does this make AI less effective?
Although artificial intelligence does not offer the accuracy and detail of original sources, it is still effective in providing fast and useful information.
AI is capable of summarizing data, providing clear explanations, and offering an overview on various topics. This makes it a valuable tool to obtain an initial overview or to resolve specific doubts quickly.
However, the effectiveness of AI depends on how it is used. Although its answers may be correct in general terms, it is essential not to rely solely on it for tasks that require precision or deep analysis.
Therefore, far from dismissing the help that AI offers, it is recommended to consult the original sources when possible. By doing so, you not only improve the quality of information, but also prevent the spread of errors.
Tips for consulting information with AI and disseminating it
Consulting information with AI and disseminating it responsibly requires a critical and strategic approach. Here are some tips to do it effectively and ethically:
- Check the source of AI: Although AI offers quick answers, understand that these come from large databases, not direct sources. Corroborate with bibliographic sources or academic studies whenever possible.
- Ask clear and specific questions: To get accurate answers, be sure to be clear and specific when you ask your questions. The more precise your query is, the more relevant the information given by the AI will be.
- Use AI as a starting point: AI is ideal for getting an overview or resolving immediate questions, but not for going deeper into a topic. Complement the information obtained with additional research.
- Cite original sources: When using information given by AI, it is crucial that you find and cite the original sources that support the data. This provides credibility and prevents the spread of misinformation.
- Encourage critical reflection: Before disclosing any information, reflect on its relevance, veracity and context, to ensure that you are offering reliable and well-founded content.
Using AI assertively
Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that, used well, can improve our ability to access information and expand our knowledge.
However, its effectiveness depends on how we use it. Using AI assertively means not only taking advantage of its speed and accessibility, but also maintaining a critical and responsible attitude towards the answers it offers.
The key is to recognize that AI should complement, not replace, critical thinking and research. Balancing its use with consulting academic sources means that we obtain accurate information and do not fall into misinformation.
In the end, the true effectiveness of AI lies in how we integrate it into a thoughtful and conscious learning process.
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