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5 min6 stepsNov 10, 2026

How to spot AI mistakes

AI tools sound confident even when they're wrong. Learn the simple checks that catch most mistakes.

  1. 1

    Know why AI gets things wrong

    AI predicts likely-sounding words; it doesn't truly know facts. That's why it can invent details that sound perfectly real.

  2. 2

    Be suspicious of very specific details

    Exact numbers, dates, quotes, book titles, and links are where mistakes hide most. Check each one that matters.

    Tip: If a link doesn't open, the source may not exist.

  3. 3

    Ask for sources, then open them

    Ask "Where does this come from?" or use a tool with citations like Perplexity. Then click through and make sure the source really says that.

  4. 4

    Ask it to check itself

    Try a follow-up like:

    Review your answer. Which parts are you least sure about?

  5. 5

    Compare with a second opinion

    Ask the same question in another chatbot or search it on a trusted website. If the answers disagree, dig deeper before you rely on it.

  6. 6

    Use common sense on high stakes

    For medicine, money, law, or anything you'll publish, treat AI as a helpful first draft, not the final word.

    Tip: When in doubt, ask a real expert.

That's the whole thing. You're set. Come back whenever you need a refresher.

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