Does AI Increase Code Duplication? A Data-Driven Reality Check

This research tackles a popular industry assumption—that AI-assisted development increases code duplication—by analyzing 14 mature open-source projects from 2021-2026, finding no clear trend to support the claim. More importantly, it reveals how easily flawed methodology can manufacture 'evidence' for any narrative, highlighting why rigorous research methodology and data literacy matter far more than industry trends in technical discourse.