AI-generated content has jumped full-force into an already overloaded information landscape, creating murky waters for both the novice and sophisticated information user. As it becomes an integral part of everyday technology, users must develop strategies to control when and how AI-generated content appears in their research. AI tools, such as Google's AI Overview, often provides helpful summaries on general topics, but can also present incorrect, unnecessary, or distracting information for more specific topics that require more depth and nuance in the search process. This session explores a couple of easy workarounds for toggling the AI-generated results on and off, such as using Google's search string operators, incorporating certain profanities, and other keywords that temporarily dismantle the AI tool. However, not all profanity and keywords trigger this effect, and understanding which terms work can empower users to take a more active role in getting research results. Participants will learn about the methodology behind this study, examine real-world examples where AI-generated results either enhance or hinder research, and discuss best practices for navigating search engines with AI integration. This session will also explore ethical considerations, potential biases in AI-generated summaries, and future implications for research practices in libraries and academia. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for managing AI-generated Google search results, ensuring they have greater control over their information-seeking process. This session highlights the evolving role of librarians in digital literacy, equipping patrons with the knowledge to navigate AI-enhanced research effectively.
Wednesday October 15, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT Salem 1B301 West 5th Street, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
