Caution with Artificial Intelligence: Why AI tools often spread false information
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an almost indispensable part of our everyday lives. Whether writing emails or searching for information, many people now use digital tools based on complex language models. However, experts are now warning of an underestimated danger: the programs frequently invent facts that do not exist in reality.
The main problem lies in how these models function. They construct content purely semantically, meaning they calculate the probability of words rather than accessing a database of verified facts. In the process, information is often combined incorrectly. In technical terms, this phenomenon is called "hallucinations."
For users in Switzerland, this means that AI-generated texts should not be trusted blindly. Especially with sensitive topics such as news, medical advice, or legal questions, the results can be misleading. The AI "rolls the dice" to put together information that may sound plausible but can be factually incorrect.
Experts therefore advise remaining critical when working with AI tools. Anyone using AI for research should always cross-check the results with reliable sources. A healthy skepticism toward automated content is currently the best protection against the spread of misinformation.