AI tools write fluent, confident sentences whether or not the content is true. That is the single most useful thing to know before relying on one.
An AI predicts likely words based on patterns it has learned. It does not look things up unless it has a search feature switched on, and it can invent names, quotes and figures that sound plausible. People call these made-up answers hallucinations.
First, ask it where the information comes from and open the source yourself. Second, check every name, date and number that matters against one trusted website. Third, ask the same question in a different way and see whether the answer changes.
Drafting, rewording, brainstorming, explaining a concept in simple terms and summarising text you paste in yourself. If you supply the facts, there is less room for it to invent.
Medical, legal and money decisions, anything with a deadline, and any claim about a real person. Use AI to prepare your questions, then confirm with a professional or an official source.
The more it would hurt to be wrong, the more you check.
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