Understand common reasons AI assistants make mistakes and how to use them more reliably.
Fluent does not mean true
An answer can sound coherent while containing an incorrect detail. Treat confident wording as style, not proof.
Questions can be underspecified
Add context such as your goal, location, audience, relevant software version, and constraints.
Information can be outdated
For changing topics, check dates and consult current primary sources.
Complex tasks can lose details
Ask for assumptions and intermediate checks, then test important outputs independently.
Verify before acting
Check calculations, test code, and seek qualified help for high-stakes decisions.
Editorial note: This guide is for general educational purposes. Verify important claims with authoritative sources before publication or action.