Definition When an AI model produces information that sounds confident but is incorrect or made up.
Example An AI assistant produces a convincing report citation that cannot be found in the source material.
See how it works Looks credible A polished answer with a citation
Must be checked Source actually supports the claim
Verify consequential facts and references against reliable sources.
Check your understanding Common mistake: Confident wording is not evidence that a generated claim is correct.
What should you do before citing an AI-generated reference?
Show explanation Open the original source and verify the author, document and claim.
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Choose your role to see what this term means in your work.
Why it matters AI answers need checking before you rely on them.
Where it is used AI tool reviews and AI risk discussions.
