We definitely need to fact-check everything we are told by AI systems like ChatGPT. These machines seem to be designed to generate uncertain information, without any internal fact-checking system. Although humans are unreliable, at least we can attempt to fact check ourselves by consulting memories that we consider to be factual. Of course, our memories are not always factual, but we are always training and retraining our own memories with new information. And also, for many different reasons, we may be attracted to misleading or wrong information and full our heads with nonsense. My impression so far (as of March 2023) is that ChatGPT can produce unlimited amounts of nonsense, mixed with real and useful information, and we should not absorb any of it uncritically.

My prompt to ChatGPT4:

Please outline the most effective strategy for using online tools to fact-check statements made by ChatGPT. Are there any specific tools designed for fact-checking ChatGPT?

The reply:

Using online tools to fact-check statements made by ChatGPT is essential to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided. While there aren't any specific tools designed exclusively for fact-checking ChatGPT, you can use a combination of general fact-checking tools and strategies to verify the information:

1. Search engines: Use search engines like Google, Bing, or DuckDuckGo to verify facts, statistics, and historical events. Search for keywords, phrases, or questions that relate to the statement you want to verify.

2. Fact-checking websites: Websites like Snopes, FactCheck.org, and PolitiFact specialize in verifying claims, debunking myths, and providing accurate information. Visit these websites and search for the topic or statement in question.

3. Primary sources: Whenever possible, refer to primary sources like government publications, official reports, research papers, or interviews with experts. This will help you validate the authenticity of the information provided by ChatGPT.

4. Cross-referencing: Cross-check the statement with multiple sources to ensure consistency and reliability. If multiple credible sources confirm the information, it's more likely to be accurate.

5. Media monitoring tools: Use tools like Google News or media monitoring services like Meltwater or Mention to search for news articles, press releases, or other media coverage related to the statement.

6. Expert opinions: If you're uncertain about a statement's accuracy, consult experts or authorities in the relevant field. This can be done through social media, professional networks, or by contacting them directly.

7. Social media verification: Verify claims on social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook by checking the accounts of official organizations, journalists, or experts in the field.

8. Statistical databases: Use statistical databases like the World Bank, UNdata, or Statista to verify data and statistics provided by ChatGPT.

9. Reverse image search: If ChatGPT provides an image or visual representation, use reverse image search tools like Google Images or TinEye to verify the image's authenticity and origin.

10. Online communities: Engage with online communities like Reddit or Quora to seek clarification or additional information about the statement in question. Be cautious, however, as information from online communities can be both helpful and misleading.

Remember that ChatGPT is an AI language model, and it can sometimes provide outdated, incorrect, or ambiguous information. Always cross-reference and verify information provided by ChatGPT using the strategies mentioned above.