Hallucinations & evidence, explained simply
A hallucination is when an AI states something false as if it were true: a made-up fact, a book that does not exist, a wrong date. It can sound completely confident.
It happens because a generator predicts likely-sounding text. Sounding right and being right are not the same thing.
The habit that protects you is checking evidence. Where did this fact come from? Can you find it in a trusted source, such as a textbook, an official website or an expert? If not, do not rely on it.
Example: Spot the problem
- You ask for three books about owls. The AI lists three titles with authors.
- You search for them: two are real, one does not exist anywhere.
- The fake one sounded just as convincing. Checking is what caught it.
Try this
- Pick one fact from any source and find two trusted places that confirm it.
- Make a checklist of three questions to ask before believing a surprising fact.
- Discuss with a grown-up: when is it fine to use an AI answer without checking, and when is it not?