AI isn't hallucinating, it's fabricating—and that's a problem

Psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist Muhamad Aly Rifai discusses his article, "In medicine and law, professions that society relies upon for accuracy." He argues that labeling AI errors as "hallucinations" is a dangerous euphemism that trivializes real psychiatric conditions and downplays the serious threat these errors pose to professions built on trust. He insists on using the term "fabrications" to accurately describe the plausible-sounding but often entirely false information generated by large language models. Citing alarming examples, including a study where 47 percent of AI-generated medical citations were fake and a legal case built on invented precedents, Muhamad explains how these fabrications directly threaten patient safety and justice. With no clear accountability for algorithmic errors, he calls for urgent action, including rigorous education on AI's limitations, mandatory disclosure of its use, and a commitment to terminology that reflects the ethical gravity of the problem. Careers by KevinMD is your gateway to health care success. We connect you with real-time, exclusive resources like job boards, news updates, and salary insights, all tailored for health care professionals. With expertise in uniting top talent and leading employers across the nation's largest health care hiring network, we're your partner in shaping health care's future. Fulfill your health care journey at KevinMD.com/careers. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/careers Discovering disability insurance? Pattern understands your concerns. Over 20,000 doctors trust us for straightforward, affordable coverage. We handle everything from quotes to paperwork. Say goodbye to insurance stress – visit Pattern today at KevinMD.com/pattern. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/pattern SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended