🧠Why AI can sound right, but be wrong (and how journalists can handle it)
AI doesn’t “know” facts, it predicts likely wording based on patterns. That means it can:
- Get the main idea right
- But insert a wrong detail from a similar context
- Deliver it all with full confidence
Fluency ≠accuracy.
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⚠️ Where this bites journalists
Be especially cautious when:
- Explaining technical topics
- Comparing similar concepts
- Summarising complex processes
- Working fast under deadline
These are prime conditions for subtle (and serious) errors.
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🛠️ How to guard against it
Use these prompt tactics:
1. Force a check
"Verify each factual claim in your answer."
2. Stress-test it
"What part of this is most likely incorrect or misleading?"
3. Break it down
List key claims and explain the evidence for each.
4. Cross-check framing
Are any concepts being confused or mixed up?
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🧾 Bottom line
Treat AI like a smart but overconfident assistant:
- Useful for speed and structure
- Not reliable without verification
A journalist's job isn’t just to ask better questions; it’s to push for better answers.
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