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#SearchSmart! Information Literacy Tutorial

This is a self-learning tutorial that addresses each stage of the research process, including: identifying information needs; selecting sources; finding high-quality, scholarly information; evaluating information; and using information responsibly.

Evaluating Internet Resources in the Age of Generative AI

In the era of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), evaluating the reliability of internet resources has become more crucial than ever. While the internet offers a wealth of information, not all content undergoes the rigorous review process that resources in the Library's subscription databases do. This means that content generated by AI, despite appearing polished and well-structured, may not always be accurate or reliable.

Evaluation Criteria for Internet Resources

When assessing the credibility of internet resources, particularly those produced by generative AI, consider the following key criteria:

  • Author Identification: Can you identify the author or the entity behind the content? What is their expertise or credibility in the field?
  • Publication Date: Is the information current and up-to-date, reflecting the latest developments in the subject area?
  • Citations: Does the resource reference other credible works? Are there proper citations that you can verify?
  • Content Quality: Is the information presented in a balanced, scholarly manner, or does it exhibit bias? Is the content backed by evidence?
  • Publisher: Is the webpage published by a reputable organization such as a university, government body, or professional association?
  • Intended Audience: Is the content suitable for academic research, or is it aimed at a general audience with potential oversimplifications?
  • Domain: Consider the domain of the resource (.org, .gov, .edu), which can often indicate a higher level of credibility compared to .com or .net sites.

By thoroughly evaluating these aspects, you can better navigate the vast amount of information online and ensure that your research is grounded in reliable and factual sources, even in the presence of AI-generated content.

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