The Illusion of Accuracy: AI Hallucinations and User Trust
In this month technology series, we’ll dive into the lesser-discussed emotional dimensions of artificial intelligence - how it can influence mental health, contribute to feelings of loneliness, and even intensify social isolation. As AI tools become more embedded in our daily lives, understanding their psychological impact is just as important as grasping their technical capabilities. To begin this journey, let’s explore a foundational concept: AI hallucination. Put simply, AI hallucination happens when an AI makes things up. It might give wrong answers, invent fake facts, or describe things that don’t exist - like saying the Eiffel Tower is in Berlin or generating an image of a cat with three eyes. These mistakes aren’t intentional; they occur because the AI is trying to be helpful and sound confident, even when it doesn’t fully understand the question or lacks accurate information. It’s a bit like someone guessing with great certainty - and getting it completely wrong. From a ...