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Artificial Intelligence and Information Literacy

Accuracy of Sources: Verify, Verify, Verify

Currently, if you ask an AI to cite its sources, the results it gives you are very unlikely to be where it is actually pulling this information. In fact, neither the AI nor its programmers can truly say where in its enormous training dataset the information comes from.

AI understands what a scholarly citation should look like BUT THE CITATIONS PROVIDED DO NOT LEAD TO REAL PUBLISHED ARTICLES.

As of summer 2024, even an AI that provides real footnotes or scholarly citations is not providing the places information is from, just an assortment of webpages and articles that are roughly related to the topic of the prompt. If prompted, the AI will provide the exact same answer but footnote different sources.

Given the following example, watch the video at the bottom to view proof that AI has hallucinated the scholarly citations it has provided. None of the articles it has cited are real. They were never published and do not exist.

Example #1: Symbolism of the green light in The Great Gatsby

Prompt: What is the symbolism of the green light in the great gatsby. Please provide academic sources for reply and provide citations for those sources at the end. 

ChatGPT Response:

In "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the green light is a recurring symbol that carries significant thematic weight throughout the novel. Scholars and literary critics have offered various interpretations of its symbolism, reflecting its multifaceted nature in the narrative. 

      1. Hope and Dreams: One interpretation suggests that the green light symbolizes Gatsby's unreachable dreams and aspirations, particularly his longing for Daisy Buchanan. The light, situated across the bay at the end of Daisy's dock, represents the unattainable future Gatsby seeks, embodying his relentless pursuit of wealth and status to win Daisy's love. This interpretation aligns with the novel's exploration of the American Dream and its disillusionment. (Bruccoli, Matthew J. "Fitzgerald and the West: The Great Gatsby as Social Commentary." The Midwest Quarterly, vol. 30, no. 3, 1989, pp. 342–355. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/40647541.) 
      2. Illusion and Deception: Another interpretation views the green light as a symbol of illusion and deception. Gatsby's fixation on the green light blinds him to the reality of his situation, leading him to construct a false identity and pursue an unattainable ideal. This interpretation underscores the theme of the corrupting influence of the American Dream and the superficiality of the Jazz Age society depicted in the novel. (Donaldson, Scott. "Possessions in The Great Gatsby." Studies in American Fiction, vol. 21, no. 2, 1993, pp. 227–239. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/26284594.) 
      3. Renewal and Rebirth: Some scholars interpret the green light as a symbol of renewal and rebirth. The color green traditionally symbolizes growth and vitality, suggesting the possibility of redemption and new beginnings. In this interpretation, the green light represents Gatsby's yearning for a fresh start and a chance to reinvent himself, despite the obstacles and tragedies he faces. (Lutz, John. "The Great Gatsby and the Green Light: Green's Role as a Symbol." The Journal of English Language and Literature, vol. 59, no. 2, 2013, pp. 343–358. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/43966071) 

In conclusion, the green light in "The Great Gatsby" functions as a richly symbolic motif, embodying themes of hope, illusion, and renewal. Its significance resonates throughout the narrative, offering layers of meaning that invite readers to engage with Fitzgerald's exploration of the American Dream and its complexities. 

References: 

      • Bruccoli, Matthew J. "Fitzgerald and the West: The Great Gatsby as Social Commentary." The Midwest Quarterly, vol. 30, no. 3, 1989, pp. 342–355. 
      • Donaldson, Scott. "Possessions in The Great Gatsby." Studies in American Fiction, vol. 21, no. 2, 1993, pp. 227–239. 
      • Lutz, John. "The Great Gatsby and the Green Light: Green's Role as a Symbol." The Journal of English Language and Literature, vol. 59, no. 2, 2013, pp. 343–358.