Why a Smart AI Will Say 'I Don't Know'

A well-trained AI will say 'I'm not sure' instead of making up a guess. That's a good sign, not a bad one.

Some examples

• AI saying 'I don't know' is safer than a fake answer.
• Older AI used to make stuff up more often.
• Newer AI is taught to flag when it is unsure.
• You should trust an honest 'I don't know' more than a confident lie.

Try it!

Ask AI a very strange question, like 'What did I have for breakfast?' A good AI will say it cannot know that.

Here's why "Why a Smart AI Will Say 'I Don't Know'" matters: Learning about AI is one of the most important skills you can build for the future! Good AI knows when to admit it is not sure — and knowing how to apply this gives you a concrete advantage.

• Learn what "uncertainty" means and why it's important
• Learn what "honesty" means and why it's important
• Learn what "limits" means and why it's important

1. 1Find out more about Why a Smart AI Will Say 'I Don't Know' by asking an AI a question about it
2. 2Talk to a grown-up about what you learned
3. 3Write down one new thing you learned today