An AI hallucination is a response generated by an artificial intelligence system—most commonly a large language model (LLM)—that contains false, fabricated, or misleading information presented with complete confidence. [1] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallucination_(artificial_intelligence))
I've been subject to this on a few occasions. Most recently I asked a simple question about the possible closure of a campsite. AI confirmed the site was closing, gave dates, a reason and a helpful link.
When l checked the link there was no collaborative information, in fact the opposite
When l challenged AI it confirmed it had "hallucinated" as it always looks for an answer and, if one is not found, it will just create one, even if untrue, and include the link to make it appear more plausible.
It was the link that made me think the information was true, until I investigated further.
All AI versions hallucinate.
Those links to academic papers, websites, statistics, news etc may well be spurious. I always check further now especially if l am reposting them.
Lots of information online about why AI does this, it's quite fascinating.
