Students relying on generative AI to produce bibliographies risk submitting papers with fabricated sources, according to a report by TechPinas. While AI can assist with brainstorming and outlining, it should not be treated as a searchable academic library.
Large language models are not connected to live academic repositories. Instead, they predict sequences of words based on training data, which can produce seemingly real but nonexistent citations. This practice can damage academic integrity and lead to credibility issues for students.
Experts recommend using AI for research direction and writing improvement, but all citations must be sourced from verified academic databases and citation managers. Careful source verification remains essential to maintain credibility.