There are a large number of AI tools on the market for a wide variety of applications. There is no tool that covers all needs. Find out which tool can do what, how it works, on which data basis the results are generated and what the tool actually does. How the individual tools really work is usually very opaque, but is sometimes explained in the tools' FAQs. In principle, you should never rely on the results of a single tool or a single source of information. However, AI tools can be a supplement to traditional research instruments.
From free to fee-based
Tools with AI support can usually be used free of charge in a basic version. Nevertheless, registration is often required. Costs are often incurred to activate additional functions.
Limited database
In most cases, the database from which the resulting texts are generated is not very transparent, so it is not possible to understand where the data comes from.
Most of the literature analysed is in English, some of the most recent literature is missing, and content that is too specific may be unknown. Common AI tools often fail to detect paid content, such as paid e-books, journals and databases.
„The suitability of different AI tools varies by subject area and language.
Quality of the output
All content generated with AI tools should be checked. Especially for AI tools with an internet connection, sources can be cited that are not citable or worthy of citation or do not exist at all (e.g. incorrect title of a journal/article, incorrect name of a researcher).
Data protection, data security and copyright
The servers of most tools are located outside the EU. GDPR-compliant use is therefore not possible. As a rule, the systems are further trained with the data that is entered. Therefore, personal, confidential or sensitive data should never be entered in the request.
Many tools allow the upload of materials. However, works protected by copyright should never be used for this purpose.
Responsible use
The systems of the AI tools were trained under sometimes precarious working conditions by workers in the so-called Global South. In addition, the resources required for AI tools are very high. Especially the tools that cost a lot also consume a lot of resources.
You need to be aware of this when you decide to use an AI tool. The necessity of using AI tools should therefore always be weighed up carefully.
