ConeheadAI · leftover lesson
SNK3-218 · Curriculum How-to
Spot the invented citation
L0–L2 · Curious–Capable (bootstrap — system rebalances) · ~5m
Look for this insight
Models fabricate plausible-looking references; every citation must be opened before it's repeated.
Lesson hook
AI-invented references look perfect: real-sounding authors, plausible journals, confident years. The tell isn't the formatting — it's that the paper doesn't exist. Rule: a citation you haven't opened is a rumor, not a source.
Do this now
Ask any chat tool: 'List 3 published sources on [a niche topic you know] with authors and years.' Search for each one. You're done when you've marked each real / not-found — you'll likely find at least one ghost.
Completion check: marks_each_citation_real_or_ghost
Conehead-only — no external link
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