What it means when AI 'makes it up'
You will learn why AI sometimes invents answers and how to spot them.
Sometimes the AI gives an answer that sounds sure but is wrong. People call this a hallucination. It just means the AI made it up.
The AI is not lying on purpose. It guesses the next words that seem to fit. Sometimes that guess is simply not true.
This is normal, and it is not your fault. The AI can sound confident even when it is wrong.
So for facts that matter, check them in one more place. You stay in charge.
- Read the answer slowly and ask yourself if it feels right.
- For facts that matter, look them up in one more trusted place.
- If something seems off, ask the AI, 'Are you sure? Please double check.'
I am going to use this for something important. Please answer about [your topic], and tell me how sure you are.
Paste the message into ChatGPT, then fill in any blanks before you send it. ChatGPT opens in a new tab. Opening it does not send the message.
When it really matters, always check the answer with a trusted source.