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Practice

Rebellious AI in Adolescence: Hallucination

AI models like ChatGPT sometimes make mistakes. These can include claiming that an event occurred when it hasn't or providing incorrect data.

When generative AI produces incorrect information about reality, it's called hallucination.


Examples of Hallucination

  1. Non-existent Facts: Providing false information like "NASA landed humans on Mars in 2022."
Providing false information
Explain the thermometer invented by Benjamin Franklin.

Benjamin Franklin never invented a thermometer, but the AI could falsely state that he did.

  1. Incorrect Personal Information: Generating incorrect details like "Einstein was the President of the United States."
Providing incorrect personal information
Tell me about King David from the Middle Ages.

There was no King David during the Middle Ages. However, the AI might fabricate such a figure.

  1. Unverified Data: Providing incorrect statistics like "2% of the world's population lives in Canada" (the actual figure is approximately 0.5%).
Providing unverified statistical information
Give me statistics on the correlation between smartphone usage and IQ.

This prompt could lead the AI to provide unverified or subjective data.


Why Does Hallucination Happen?

Hallucination can occur if the data used for training is erroneous, lacks certain situations, is unbalanced, or if the user's prompt is vague.

Example of a vague prompt
Tell me the population of the largest city in the world.

# Without specifying the criterion (population size, area, economic power), the AI might give incorrect information.

How to Minimize Hallucinations

To reduce hallucinations, it's essential to craft clear and specific prompts.

1. Ask Specific Questions

General prompt
Tell me about the movie 'Inception'.
Improved prompt
Tell me about the director, main actors, and the main plot of the movie 'Inception'.

2. Specify the Source of Information

General prompt
Tell me about the latest tech trends.
Improved prompt
Tell me about the latest tech trends based on technology trend reports published after January 2023.

3. Exclude Unnecessary Information

General prompt
Give me advice on traveling to Europe.
Improved prompt
I'm planning a 2-week trip to Europe. Tell me about must-see tourist spots and recommended local cuisines in France and Italy.

4. Include Examples in Your Question

General prompt
Tell me how to write a business plan.
Improved prompt
Explain the essential sections needed in a business plan (e.g., overview, market analysis, marketing strategy, financial plan).

5. Provide Specific Dates or Timeframes

General prompt
Tell me about Chinese history.
Improved prompt
Explain Chinese history from 1912 to 1949, particularly major events related to the Republic of China after the Xinhai Revolution.

To further minimize hallucinations, it's recommended to utilize the latest AI model available in that category.