The author of a book about artificial intelligence and truth is facing scrutiny after an investigation revealed fabricated quotes in his work, yet he remains steadfast in his reliance on AI writing tools. Steven Rosenbaum, who wrote The Future of Truth: How AI Reshapes Reality, admitted to using AI programs like ChatGPT and Claude during research, writing, and editing. The New York Times reported that more than half a dozen quotes in the book were either fabricated or misattributed, with several individuals cited as sources confirming they never made those statements. Rosenbaum attributed these errors to AI hallucinations—instances where the technology generates false information.
In an interview with Ars Technica following the controversy, Rosenbaum said he has 'learned a lesson' and will be 'much more suspicious' of AI outputs in the future. However, he also made clear he has no intention of abandoning the technology. 'The idea of taking X years off [from AI] while it sorts itself out, and going back to, like, Microsoft Word… it’s just not in my nature,' he said. He described AI as 'magical' for its ability to connect ideas and offer new ways of thinking.
Rosenbaum’s defense of AI comes despite the irony that his book explores how AI affects shared notions of truth. He spoke of AI in anthropomorphic terms, calling it a 'delightful writing companion' that is 'strangely creative and crafty and unusual in all these ways… and then it betrays you in ways that are just really quite horrible.' He compared weighing AI’s benefits and risks to the deliberations of a drug addict or alcoholic, while asserting he has 'never been in a place where I thought the tech that I was using was both intoxicating and dangerous.'
During the interview, Rosenbaum likened using AI to choosing a bicycle over a motorcycle, suggesting AI is the safer option. When the interviewer countered that AI’s accelerated productivity carries a risk of errors, making it more like a motorcycle, Rosenbaum conceded the point 'might be fair.'
AI Errors Widespread in Publishing
Rosenbaum is not the only writer caught in AI-related controversies. Several books and stories this year have faced accusations of AI assistance, including a horror novel that was pulled by its publisher. Newsrooms have also stumbled, with both The New York Times and Ars Technica publishing articles that inadvertently included AI-generated summaries or fabrications presented as direct quotes.
The case of Rosenbaum’s book is particularly notable because it is a work of non-fiction, intended to include commentary from industry experts, and went through multiple rounds of editing and fact-checking before being released by a major publisher. When asked about the oversight, Rosenbaum said, 'I think we did that [double-checking] incredibly effectively, but not a hundred percent. We’re doing the work, we’re doing the best we can. We look at it, it looks right. We double-check it, and then we made a mistake.'
The incident raises questions about the reliability of AI in professional writing and the responsibilities of authors and publishers to verify content. While Rosenbaum’s stance may seem contradictory, it reflects a broader tension in the industry as AI tools become more integrated into creative and journalistic processes.
