From Evaluation to Verification: Reconceptualizing Information Literacy Frameworks in the Age of Generative AI

Abstract

The digital information ecosystem has undergone significant changes as a result of the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence (generative AI), especially in the process of information creation, dissemination and use. This development has challenged the conventional information literacy paradigm that has emphasized the evaluation of sources based on accuracy, authority and reliability. In an increasingly complex digital environment, the information literacy approach is now seen to shift from mere evaluation to information verification to ensure the validity and accuracy of the information used. Therefore, this study aims to examine how the information literacy framework is re-evaluated in the era of generative AI and identify new skills needed by users to navigate information generated by AI. This study uses a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach guided by the PRISMA framework to ensure that the process of identifying, screening, assessing eligibility and selecting studies is carried out transparently and systematically. A total of 673 articles published between 2022 and 2026 were identified through a systematic search using keywords related to information literacy, AI literacy, generative AI and information verification. After removing duplicate records and excluding studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria and articles that did not have accessible full text, a total of 53 studies were selected for the final analysis. The data obtained were analyzed using thematic analysis methods to identify key themes, research trends and existing research gaps. The study findings show that generative AI has challenged traditional source evaluation practices by producing content that appears convincing but potentially contains inaccuracies, algorithmic bias and AI hallucinations. This study also emphasizes the importance of information verification practices, the use of cross-referencing sources, and the integration of AI literacy into the information literacy framework as an essential competency in the digital age. This study concludes that information literacy needs to be redefined with greater emphasis on information verification to enable users to evaluate information more critically and accurately in the face of the challenges of the information environment driven by generative AI.