In a recent episode of the Real AI Use Cases podcast, host Elizabeth Gearhart, Ph.D., shared a simple but powerful tip for anyone using AI tools: ask for the source. "You can ask AI for references," she said. "When they come to a conclusion or give you information, you can say, 'What's your source for that?'"
The advice underscores a growing awareness that AI-generated content, while impressive, can sometimes lack transparency or even hallucinate facts. By prompting the AI to reveal its references, users can verify information and build trust in the technology. Gearhart emphasized that this practice is especially important in business contexts where accuracy matters.
The podcast, which features business leaders discussing real-world applications of AI, aims to help entrepreneurs move from curiosity to practical implementation. The episode also explored how AI is transforming sectors like real estate, security, and email management.
For those new to AI, the message is clear: treat it as a collaborator, not an oracle. Ask for evidence, cross-check claims, and use AI as a tool to enhance—not replace—critical thinking.