SHAH ALAM – For many young people, getting an answer is now as easy as typing a question into an artificial intelligence (AI) tool, but how many stop to check if the answer is correct?
AI can help with assignments, explain difficult topics and provide ideas, making it a useful tool for students and young people.
However, problems can arise when users accept AI-generated answers without checking the facts or finding out where the information comes from.
The Islamic principle of tabayyun, which means checking and confirming information before accepting or sharing it, offers a reminder that people should not believe everything they see or read without question.
Terengganu Strategic & Integrity Institute (TSIS) research officer Muhammad Zakwan Mohd Zaid said AI should be used to help people, not replace their own thinking.
"AI should be used as a tool to assist users, not as a complete solution," he said.
This is especially important when AI is used to create images, videos or other content that may mislead people.
A video may make it appear that someone said something they never said, while false information may look convincing when presented in a clear and confident way.
Without checking the source, users may believe the content and share it with others, allowing false information to spread further.
Young people need to understand that getting an answer quickly does not always mean getting the right answer.
Checking information, comparing sources and asking questions are simple steps that can help users avoid being misled.
Relying too much on AI may also affect a person's ability to think independently if they become used to accepting answers without trying to understand them.
For Zakwan, integrity is not just about knowing what is right or wrong, but also about putting it into practice in daily life.
This includes being honest, checking facts and making sure the information shared with others is accurate.
Schools and higher education institutions also have a role in teaching young people how to use AI responsibly and understand the importance of integrity.
As AI becomes more common in education and daily life, the challenge is not simply learning how to use the technology, but knowing when to question it.
The message behind tabayyun is simple: before believing or sharing something, take the time to check whether it is true.