AI tools sometimes produce citations that do not exist or do not say what is claimed. Opening the source is the only way to know.
What to do
- Click every link the tool gives you.
- Confirm the page exists and is from a source you trust.
- Read the relevant part yourself, not just the title.
- If the source is missing or does not match, do not use the claim.
An example
A draft cites "a 2023 industry study" with a link. The link is dead and a search finds no such study. The claim comes out.
Label copy
For small labels: If it cites a link, open the link.
For water-bottle labels: AI can invent sources that look real. If an answer cites a link, article or study, open it and confirm it says what the AI claims.
Sources and further reading
Sources are being added by our editor before this tip is finalized. Verify claims against the tool provider's current terms and your own policies.