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How To Fact-Check AI Content Like a Pro

Relying on AI for content? Make sure it’s spot on! Here’s how to fact-check your AI-generated content and avoid mistakes or misinformation.

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7 min read

Why fact-checking matters

Imagine you’ve just used an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to generate a blog post for your business. At first glance, the draft seems well-written and ready to go—until you realize several problems. A key statistic is outdated, a historical date is wrong, and one source seems completely fabricated. What seemed like a time-saving solution could now put your credibility at risk if the AI output is not properly reviewed and edited. 

This scenario is more common than you might think. In recent years, AI has revolutionized how we create and consume content. However, as its role in content creation grows, so does the need for fact-checking, as inaccurate or misleading information can easily slip in and potentially damage your brand’s reputation.

In this blog, we’ll explore the rise of AI-generated content, why it is essential, and practical tips on ensuring that the information you share is accurate and reliable.

Key Takeaways

  • It’s always necessary to have a human reviewer for AI-generated content, as AI doesn’t “understand” the information it processes. It creates content by recognizing patterns in data, but it can’t verify facts or grasp context as humans can.
  • AI can sometimes create false information that sounds true. These “hallucinations” are hard to spot without careful fact-checking.
  • AI can need help with context or nuanced language, which might lead to technically accurate content that lacks the depth or sensitivity needed for specific topics.

The power of AI-generated content

AI-generated content is incredibly efficient. Tasks that used to take hours—like writing, editing, and revising—can now be done in minutes. AI tools can write full articles, summarize reports, and even suggest ideas, all while mimicking human-like writing. 

But this speed comes with a challenge: accuracy. AI doesn’t “think” like a person; it predicts text based on patterns from massive datasets. Because of this, it can make mistakes—which is why it’s crucial to have a human fact-checking step in the process before publishing AI-generated content.

Women researching with books and laptops inside a library.

Why do we need to fact-check AI content?

As AI-generated content becomes more widespread, it’s crucial to fact-check and ensure its accuracy and relevance. Not fact-checking AI-generated content can lead to several serious consequences if inaccurate content slips through the cracks, including:

  • Legal risk
  • Reputational damage
  • Ethical responsibility
  • Search engine penalties

How to fact-check your AI content

While AI can produce text quickly, it cannot verify facts, spot inconsistencies, or update itself with the latest data. That’s why fact-checking is an essential step before publishing AI-generated content. To avoid spreading misinformation or damaging your brand’s credibility, here are five strategies for fact-checkers to review AI-generated content. 

1. Cross-check with trusted sources

The first step in fact-checking AI content is always double-checking facts with reliable sources. Unlike human experts, AI doesn’t “know” if a piece of information is true—it simply generates responses based on patterns in the data it was trained on.

What to do:

  • Use credible sources and trusted sites like government pages or academic databases.
  • For stats, find the original report.
  • Use fact-checking tools like Snopes, FactCheck.org, or PoliFact.

2. Look for citations and sources

AI-generated content often needs citations or references, making it easier to trace the source of the information. Ask your AI tool to include sources or references whenever possible when generating content. 

What to do:

  • If AI mentions a study or article, search the entire article for the stat to check accuracy.
  • Use tools like Google Scholar to find sources.
  • If no source is given, investigate the topic yourself.

3. Spot inconsistencies or contradictions

AI can sometimes create content with conflicting statements. For instance, a piece might present a claim in one section that contradicts what is said later in the text.  Finding these issues early helps ensure that accurate and clear information is shared.

What to do:

  • Read carefully to find contradictions or errors.
  • Make sure the key points make sense and align with each other.

4. Verify timeliness

Information in AI-generated content may be outdated. AI tools can reference outdated information regarding rapidly changing topics like technology, science, or current events, which is why it’s crucial to verify that any sources referenced are up-to-date.

What to do:

  • Check if the details are current, especially for fast-changing topics like tech or news.
  • Look for recent sources or updates.

5. Consult an expert for niche topics

While AI tools are great at general knowledge, they aren’t perfect for specialized fields like medicine, law, or engineering. If your content delves into highly technical or niche subjects, it’s wise to consult an expert in the field to ensure accuracy.

What to do:

  • Reach out to professionals to verify complex or technical details. Minor errors can have significant consequences in some specialized areas.

The critical role of fact-checking in AI-generated content

AI-generated content is a game-changer for scaling your content, but it’s just a tool—without fact-checking, it can easily backfire, leading to misinformation and damaging your brand’s reputation. By taking the time to cross-check facts, verify sources, and consult experts when needed, you can confidently share reliable and trustworthy content. 

Remember, fact-checking is not just an optional step—it’s a responsibility to your audience. Not sure where to start? Check out our blog post, Why You Need an AI Policy

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7 min read

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