Getting references right is crucial in academic writing, but relying on AI for this task is not without its risks. While AI-powered tools may seem like a convenient shortcut, they are not a replacement for human accuracy and critical thinking. These tools can generate citations quickly, but they often introduce errors, inconsistencies. Below, we examine two commonly used tools—Cite This For Me and Zotero—while highlighting their limitations.

Cite This For Me

Cite This For Me can be accessed and used on the web, without having to download an external app. The process of generating references is as follows. You will need to locate the DOI of a book or a paper you wish to reference and paste it into the tool. You can also produce an automatic reference for a website by simply pasting the link. Once you provide the DOI or the link, you will be able to select a referencing style of your choice, such as APA, Harvard, or Vancouver. The reference will then be ready, so you can just paste it into your reference list.

Although easy to use, Cite This For Me generates only one reference at a time. This means you will have to repeat the entire process for each of your references in order to compile the whole reference list. More importantly, it does not always produce accurate citations, meaning you must manually verify and correct the formatting before submitting your work. Relying entirely on this tool without reviewing its output could result in serious referencing errors.

Zotero

Unlike Cite This For Me, Zotero requires you to download an app on your computer. The app can be installed on both Windows and Mac operating systems, allowing you to access the full range of its features directly from your desktop. Once installed, Zotero offers a more integrated experience in managing references and citations. The process of generating references involves adding sources directly to your Zotero library, which eliminates the need to manually input DOIs or links.

You can add the sources in three different ways: (1) by using a Zotero Connector browser extension and importing a source from a website, (2) by importing the source from your computer, or (3) by manually entering the details of the source. Zotero supports a variety of sources, including books, articles, websites, and more. You can organise your sources into folders and collections within the Zotero interface. While Zotero can handle multiple citations it requires a learning curve, and users must read through the manual to use it effectively.

The Risks of Over-Reliance on AI in Referencing

Whether you will work better in Cite This For Me or Zotero is up to you and your personal preferences. In both cases, you will need to spend some time engaging with the tools.

But keep in mind that AI citation tools are not infallible. They may misinterpret source information, apply incorrect formatting, or fail to keep up with updated referencing guidelines. While they both can assist in managing references, they are not a substitute for human expertise. Academic integrity demands accuracy, and AI tools often fall short. If you choose to use them, do so with caution—always cross-check and refine the citations manually.

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