When AI Makes Things Up
Why AI gives false facts
AI chatbots generate text that sounds right but can be factually wrong. When you ask AI for a school report, it sometimes invents facts, quotes, or even entire studies. This is called AI hallucinations. The AI doesn't realize it's saying something wrong.
Spotting false information
Check every important AI statement! Search for the source: does the mentioned study really exist? Compare with reliable websites like public media or encyclopedias. Be especially careful with numbers, dates, and quotes — this is where AI gets it wrong most often.
Researching properly with AI
Use AI as a starting point, not as your only source. Verify every important piece of information with at least one other source. Don't just copy what the AI says for school. Ask the AI for its sources — but check those too!
Detective Tip: In tests, AI chatbots included up to 30% false facts in their answers — and they sounded just as convincing as with the correct facts!
Mini-Check (1/2)
You use AI for a school report and it cites a study from the University of Munich from 2023. What do you do?