Navigating AI Misinformation: Separating Fact from Fiction

In today’s fast-paced world, the need for speed is paramount. Whether you're researching a project or looking for a restaurant, artificial intelligence (AI) is often the go-to solution. But how can you be sure that the information you find is accurate, especially when AI can sometimes generate incorrect answers?

The Impact of AI Hallucinations

John and Wanda Boyer (2024) studied the impact of AI hallucinations on professional expectations. They define hallucinations as the tendency for AI to generate incorrect answers that appear authentic and authoritative. While techniques like retrieval augmented generation can reduce these errors, they only do so at a basic level of cognitive retrieval.

Søren Dinesen Østergaard and Kristoffer Laigaard Nielbo (2023) offer a different perspective. They argue that the term 'hallucination' is imprecise and stigmatizing. AI errors, they note, are based on inputted data, which is a form of external stimuli, not sensory perceptions. They also point out the stigma associated with the term in the medical field, where hallucinations are linked to mental illnesses like schizophrenia.

High-Risk Scenarios and Everyday Use

AI hallucinations can have significant consequences, especially in high-risk areas such as crisis self-rescue. However, for everyday informational needs, there are ways to spot false information. Yoori Hwang and Se-Hoon Jeong (2025) found that forewarning about AI hallucinations can reduce the acceptance of AI-generated misinformation when users engage in effortful thinking.

Many users prefer not to add an extra layer of diligence to their information searches. However, being aware of the potential for errors and employing a trust-but-verify approach can save both time and embarrassment. Just as we filter information from unfamiliar sources, a similar approach online can help ensure that the information you gather is quick and accurate.

Enhancing Your Ability to Distinguish Fact from Fiction

Effective use of AI requires understanding how the technology works. There is a difference between searching for concrete facts to cite as authority and using AI to brainstorm ideas. Brainstorming for vacation ideas or first-date suggestions is generally safe, but for deeper research, forewarning is crucial.

By staying informed and being cautious, you can navigate the world of AI-generated information with greater confidence and accuracy.