The internet has put a vast repository of human knowledge right at the fingertips of the average person – but can you really believe everything you read?
Most people can tell a good source of information from a bad one – or they could, in the past. However, now that artificial intelligence (AI) is generating content that’s often attributed to attorneys and law firms, it may be harder to judge accurate information from a blog post that’s merely cannibalized other blog posts in its making.
AI-generated legal content isn’t a substitute for real legal advice
Cobbled-together: AI-generated content works from an algorithm, and these algorithms don’t possess a true understanding of legal nuances. AI doesn’t actually create new content. Instead, it just raids existing information that it can find online and stitches pieces and parts together. This information that’s cobbled together from other sources can not only cause copyright infringement concerns, it can be simply… wrong.
Legally accuracy: While AI might churn out content that sounds convincing, it might not necessarily be accurate or legally sound, and the sources it steals from may or may not be correct. Relying on such content can lead to misinformation, the misinterpretation of laws and potentially harmful consequences for your legal issue or dispute.
Situational context: Human attorneys possess the ability to contextualize legal matters based on their extensive knowledge and experience. They can analyze a situation holistically, considering not only the legal statutes but also the real-world implications and the “human factors” involved in a situation. AI, on the other hand, lacks this contextual understanding. At best, AI can provide generic, one-size-fits-all advice that doesn’t take specific circumstances into account. This can be detrimental in legal matters where small details can have significant ramifications on the outcome of a given case.
Talk to a lawyer instead
What’s the takeaway from all this? The best way to understand your rights, obligations and how your situation will play out at the negotiation table or in court is to talk to an actual lawyer. Consulting an attorney is a safer option than relying on computer-generated documents to determine your future.