Beyond the hype: Student use and misuse of AI research tools

As AI tools like Elicit, Scite, and Research Rabbit are increasingly integrated into academic workflows, it’s crucial to look beyond their promises and examine how they are truly being used—especially by students. This session focuses on the biases, limitations, and misinformation risks found in these tools, with a special emphasis on how these affect student learning and research habits.

Drawing from student surveys conducted at the American University of Beirut and practical instructional experiences at Jafet Library, I will highlight common usage patterns, misconceptions, and the extent to which these tools are relied on for scholarly work. Specific examples will be shared to illustrate issues such as citation inaccuracies, content bias, and overreliance on AI-synthesized information.

Rather than providing a general introduction to the tools, this session will offer a critical, student-centered perspective, highlighting key takeaways for educators and librarians, including:

• Recognizing and addressing the most frequent biases and misinformation in these tools
• Understanding how students are actually using (and misusing) them in academic contexts
• Practical strategies for promoting responsible, ethical use of AI in research

This session is aimed at educators, librarians, and instructional designers seeking to engage students with AI tools critically and constructively.