https://at-ceu.studyguide.timeedit.net/modules/DOPP5674?type=COREThe quick spread of generative AI tools like ChatGPT in 2023 took every profession by storm. Academics are no different; many looked at the trends with great suspicion or were lost in the labyrinth of pitfalls like AI hallucinations, often producing incorrect information. Many worry about what this means for society, the labor market, or if AI will come and kill us all, as we have seen in so many science fiction movies. To better understand what generative AI means for our world, it is helpful to know a little about how it works and how to get the most out of it. When used properly, generative AI tools are useful for researchers and practitioners alike and could even become the subject of social science research. This workshop aims to provide an introduction to AI foundations, offer an overview of best practices, showcase effective use cases, and serve as a starting point for leveraging AI tools as a helpful companion.