How should I fact-check what an AI tells me?

Fact-checking AI requires a bit of healthy skepticism. Here is how you can verify information:

• Request Sources: Ask the AI where it sourced the information. If it provides links or titles, check them to see if they come from reputable, primary sources like official government data, peer-reviewed journals, or established news organizations.
• Use Independent Search: Perform your own web searches for the key claims or statistics mentioned. Cross-reference the information across at least two or three independent, high-authority websites.
• Check for Consistency: If the information seems unusual or extreme, be especially cautious. Look for corroboration from multiple sources rather than relying on a single report.
• Look for Dates: Ensure that the information is current and relevant to your needs. Outdated data can be factually correct for the past but misleading for the present.
• Verify Claims About People and Data: If an AI makes a specific claim about a person's life or a precise numerical measurement, treat it as a lead rather than a proven fact. Double-check these against public records, official biographies, or verified databases.

Whenever you are unsure, feel free to ask me to look into a specific point—I can use my search tools to help you verify the details.