Creating your own original content is mandatory.
AI responses are generated by a bot, synthesized from information found readily online. Even if using the information from it, you will need to do significant editing and paraphrasing and you will need to cite the original source of any research information that AI provides. You should not cite AI as your source. See Disclosing and Citing AI.
Any work you submit must be written by you. Using AI to generate text and then submitting it as your own work is considered plagiarism. AI can be a collaborator of ideas, but it is not meant to communicate for you. Your instructor should see your thinking—not AI’s output.
Spotting Over-Reliance (and Possible Academic Integrity Violations)
It’s easy to slip from “partnering with AI” into “outsourcing your thinking.” Signs you may be leaning too much on AI include:
- Turning in content you didn’t really read or understand.
- Copying text without paraphrasing or editing and adding your own insights or analysis.
- Feeling like you can’t complete an assignment without AI’s help.
- Using AI to replace (instead of support) skills you’re expected to practice such as writing, problem-solving, or interpreting data/findings.
Pro Tips to Maintain Your Original Content and Voice:
Do not copy/paste AI text directly into your paper (this also includes text generated by any paraphrasing software). This is an academic integrity violation because you did not write the text.
Keep your voice. AI often writes in a style that probably doesn’t sound like you. Before using its output, revise for tone, clarity, audience, and authenticity. Add your own transitions, word choices, and personal reflections so the final product reflects your voice. A good test: if someone who knows you read it, would they recognize it as yours?
Expand your own perspective. Think of AI as a brainstorming partner that can generate ideas you might not have considered. But don’t stop there. You bring the context, emotional intelligence, and understanding of your audience. Decide what generated content is relevant for your uses. Use the relevant content as points of discussion but then elaborate on those points of discussion with your own writing. Add your own insights and context to make it your own.
- For example, if AI suggests five strategies, maybe you take two and connect them to your course readings.
- For example, AI might generate a list of pros and cons, but only you can decide which ones matter most for the assignment or which align with your values.
Do not directly quote AI as if it is an author. If AI cites a source in their response to your question, locate that source to first verify it exists and paraphrase or quote that author directly if it is a reliable source. If no source is provided by AI, locate a reliable source to verify the information and then use and cite that source.
Remember, AI can give you some excellent ideas to consider, but it is your responsibility to create the final communication or writing to avoid plagiarism and preserve your integrity.
Self-Check: Keeping a Human in the Loop
AI can generate ideas, structure information, and spark new directions but you are still the thinker and decision-maker. Before you use any of AI's output, pause and consider:
- Usefulness: Did this output help me understand the topic better—or just give me something to turn in?
- Accuracy: How will I verify and cite information and sources from AI? See Verifying Information & Sources from AI and Disclosing & Citing AI.
- Originality: Where can I add my own interpretation, perspective, and conclusions I’ve reached? See Academic Voice.
- Ethics: Does this align with the standards of my course and my own ethics?
Using AI responsibly means supporting your own critical thinking, not outsourcing it. The best results happen when you stay in charge, letting AI expand your perspective while you provide the judgment and integrity.
Your instructor may not allow the use of AI for coursework. It is your responsibility to follow any policies posted within your course.