What is Real on the Internet?

Reasons Behind False Information

False and inaccurate information is usually spread online because it can garner attention. These media outlets know what can catch people’s attention and use tactics that can manipulate other’s emotions. The key is to post something that evokes emotions. That’s why tactics like rage-baiting and click-baiting are used.

This article can go more in-depth on this-

My Thoughts on AI

AI uses information that is already on the internet. It is not perfect and can make mistakes that are called hallucinations. This is the reason it is recommended to always fact check the information that AI gives you. I did a little experiment on three different AI models: OpenAI, Anthropic, and Mistral models. I told them each to state the traits of a Sagittarius (zodiac sign).

OpenAI

Me: Tell me the traits of a Sagittarius

OpenAI: Sagittarius (November 22–December 21) is commonly associated with:

  • Adventurous and freedom-loving
  • Optimistic and enthusiastic
  • Honest and straightforward
  • Curious and philosophical
  • Independent and energetic
  • Sociable and humorous
  • Open-minded and spontaneous

Common challenges include being blunt, restless, impatient, overly idealistic, or prone to avoiding commitment. Astrology is a cultural belief system rather than a scientifically validated personality test.

Me: Source?

OpenAI: I based the description on common astrology references, especially:

  • Astrology.com — Sagittarius characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses 1
  • Horoscope.com — Sagittarius traits and challenges 2

These traits are astrological interpretations, not scientifically validated personality findings.

[2]https://www.horoscope.com/zodiac-signs/sagittarius

[1]https://www.astrology.com/zodiac-signs/sagittarius

Total Tokens used: 31,394

Analysis: The reply from OpenAI was pretty brief and to the point. The websites that were given were ones that ran slow due to the amount of ads used. However, the information that was given did match the websites given as sources.

Anthropic

Me: Tell me the traits of a Sagittarius

Anthropic: Sagittarius Traits:

  • Adventurous & Optimistic — Love exploring new places, ideas, and experiences
  • Independent — Value freedom and dislike restrictions
  • Honest & Direct — Known for blunt, straightforward communication
  • Philosophical — Drawn to big-picture thinking and deeper meaning
  • Enthusiastic — Energetic and passionate about interests
  • Generous — Willing to help others and share openly
  • Spontaneous — Enjoy taking risks and acting impulsively
  • Restless — Easily bored; always seeking new challenges
  • Outspoken — Not afraid to voice opinions
  • Curious — Inquisitive learners with broad interests

Potential Weaknesses:

  • Can be tactless or insensitive
  • Impatient with details
  • Commitment issues
  • Overconfident at times

Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter (luck, expansion) and is a fire sign, reflecting its bold, dynamic nature.

Me: Sources

Anthropic: I provided general astrological knowledge based on common Sagittarius descriptions found across astrology references, but I didn’t cite specific sources.

If you’d like verified sources, I can search for:

  • Academic articles on astrology’s cultural history
  • Established astrology websites (Astrology.com, Cafe Astrology, etc.)
  • Published astrology books

Would you like me to search for specific, cited sources on Sagittarius traits? Keep in mind that astrology is not scientific — these are cultural and traditional associations rather than empirically verified characteristics.

Me: Website source

Anthropic: Here are key Sagittarius traits from reputable astrology sources:

Core Traits 1 :

  • Adventurous & independent 1 2
  • Optimistic & enthusiastic 1 3
  • Truth-seekers & philosophers 1 4
  • Curious & intellectually generous 3 4
  • Honest & direct communicators 1 2
  • Big-picture thinkers 4
  • Freedom-loving 3 2

Strengths 1 2 :

  • Infectious positivity & warmth 1
  • Naturally inspiring leaders 2
  • Wonderful storytellers & teachers 1
  • Loyal, generous friends 2
  • Comfortable taking calculated risks 2

Weaknesses 1 2 :

  • Bluntly honest (can hurt feelings) 2
  • Commitment-averse 1 2
  • Restless & easily distracted 3
  • Impatient with details 3
  • Can overcommit & underdeliver 3
  • Sometimes condescending 1

In Relationships & Careers 4 : Sagittarius thrives in careers involving travel, teaching, writing, or entrepreneurship 1 3 . In romance, they need partners who value independence and intellectual connection 4 . Compatible with Fire signs (Aries, Leo) and Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) 3 4 .

[4]https://whatismyzodiac.com/zodiac-signs/sagittarius/

[1]https://www.astrology.com/zodiac-signs/sagittarius

[2]https://www.horoscope.com/zodiac-signs/sagittarius

[3]https://www.astrologyjuno.com/sagit

Total Tokens used: 32,088

Analysis: The Anthropic model went a little more in-depth than OpenAI. I was even asked to specify what I wanted it to do. It even did in-text citations with the sources it gave. Two of the websites given were the same that OpenAI gave, while the other two were new. The two new websites given were a little better.

Mistral

Me: Tell me the traits of a Sagittarius

Mistral: Here are the key traits associated with Sagittarius (born between November 22 and December 21), one of the fire signs of the zodiac, ruled by Jupiter:

1. Adventurous & Explorative

  • Sagittarians thrive on freedom, travel, and new experiences. They are natural explorers, both physically and intellectually.
  • They seek meaning and truth, often drawn to philosophy, spirituality, or cultures different from their own.
  • Boredom is their enemy; they need constant stimulation and variety.

2. Optimistic & Enthusiastic

  • Known for their positive outlook, Sagittarians see the silver lining in even the toughest situations.
  • Their enthusiasm is contagious—they inspire others with their energy and passion.
  • They believe in limitless possibilities and often encourage others to dream big.

3. Independent & Freedom-Loving

  • Sagittarians value their independence above all else. They resist anything (or anyone) that feels restrictive or controlling.
  • They prefer flexibility in relationships, careers, and lifestyles. Commitment can feel stifling if it limits their freedom.
  • They may struggle with routines or traditional structures.

4. Honest & Blunt

  • Sagittarians are brutally honest, sometimes to a fault. They speak their mind without sugarcoating, which can come across as tactless.
  • They dislike deception and expect the same transparency from others.
  • Their directness can be refreshing but may also hurt feelings unintentionally.

5. Intellectual & Philosophical

  • They are lifelong learners, drawn to subjects like religion, ethics, and the meaning of life.
  • Sagittarians love debates and deep conversations, often playing devil’s advocate to explore different perspectives.
  • They have a broad worldview and enjoy sharing their knowledge with others.

6. Restless & Impatient

  • Sagittarians struggle with follow-through. They may start projects with enthusiasm but lose interest if things become repetitive or slow.
  • They prefer quick results and can become frustrated with delays or bureaucracy.
  • Their restlessness can lead to impulsive decisions (e.g., spontaneous trips, career changes).

7. Generous & Big-Hearted

  • They are naturally giving, whether it’s their time, resources, or advice.
  • Sagittarians believe in fairness and justice and will stand up for others, especially the underdog.
  • They enjoy sharing experiences (e.g., hosting gatherings, introducing friends to new ideas).

8. Irresponsible (At Times)

  • Their love for freedom can make them avoid responsibilities they find tedious (e.g., paperwork, budgets, or long-term planning).
  • They may procrastinate or overlook details, preferring to focus on the “big picture.”
  • Financial impulsivity (e.g., splurging on travel or risks) can be a challenge.

9. Fun-Loving & Humorous

  • Sagittarians have a great sense of humor and love to laugh—often at themselves.
  • They enjoy playful teasing and lighthearted banter.
  • Their humor can be sarcastic or exaggerated, but it’s rarely malicious.

10. Non-Committal in Relationships

  • In love, Sagittarians seek a partner who is also a friend and adventure buddy.
  • They may avoid labels or serious commitments until they’re sure they won’t feel trapped.
  • Jealousy and possessiveness are turn-offs; they need space to breathe.

Challenges for Sagittarius

  • Overpromising: Their optimism can lead to unrealistic commitments.
  • Tactlessness: Their honesty may hurt others’ feelings.
  • Impulsivity: They may act without considering consequences.
  • Restlessness: They struggle with long-term projects or stability.

Careers That Suit Sagittarius

Sagittarians thrive in roles that offer variety, freedom, and purpose, such as:

  • Travel writer or tour guide
  • Professor or philosopher
  • Entrepreneur or startup founder
  • Humanitarian or activist
  • Pilot or outdoor guide
  • Comedian or motivational speaker

Famous Sagittarius Traits in Pop Culture

  • Characters: Robin Hood (adventurous), Buddy the Elf (optimistic), Indiana Jones (explorative).
  • Celebrities: Taylor Swift, Brad Pitt, Tina Turner, Winston Churchill.

Compatibility

Sagittarians often connect best with fellow fire signs (Aries, Leo) and air signs (Gemini, Aquarius, Libra), who share their love for freedom and intellectual stimulation. They may clash with water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), who crave emotional depth and security.

Me: Source?

Mistral: Here are the sources for the traits of Sagittarius based on astrological traditions and modern interpretations:

Primary Sources for Sagittarius Traits

  1. Astrological Foundations
    • The traits of Sagittarius are derived from traditional Western astrology, which has roots in:
      • Ptolemy’s Tetrabiblos (2nd century CE): A foundational text in Western astrology that outlines the characteristics of the zodiac signs.
      • Modern astrological texts: Books like The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need by Joanna Martine Woolfolk and The Astrology of You and Me by Gary Goldschneider provide contemporary interpretations of Sagittarius traits.
    • Sagittarius is a fire sign, ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion, optimism, and adventure. This influence shapes the sign’s core traits.
  2. Psychological and Pop Culture Astrology
    • Carl Jung’s archetypes: Jungian psychology connects zodiac signs to universal personality types. Sagittarius aligns with the Explorer or Seeker archetype, emphasizing freedom, truth, and adventure.
    • Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs: A classic 1968 book that popularized astrology in modern culture and detailed Sagittarius traits in an accessible way.
    • Contemporary astrologers: Modern astrologers like Susan Miller (Astrology Zone) and Chani Nicholas provide updated interpretations of Sagittarius traits through blogs, books, and social media.
  3. Cultural and Historical Context
    • Sagittarius is symbolized by the Centaur, a mythological creature that is half-human, half-horse. This symbolizes the sign’s dual nature: intellectual (human) and instinctual (horse).
    • The sign’s association with travel, philosophy, and higher learning stems from its connection to Jupiter, the Roman god of gods, who ruled over these domains.

Where to Verify This Information

If you’d like to explore further, here are some authoritative sources to consult:

  1. Books
    • The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need by Joanna Martine Woolfolk.
    • Sun Signs by Linda Goodman.
    • The Astrology of You and Me by Gary Goldschneider.
    • Parker’s Astrology by Julia and Derek Parker.
  2. Websites
  3. Academic Perspectives
    • While astrology is not a science, you can explore its cultural and historical significance through:
      • The Astrology of Fate by Liz Greene (a Jungian approach to astrology).
      • Cosmos and Psyche by Richard Tarnas (explores astrology’s role in history and psychology).

Why No Single “Source”?

Astrology is a traditional practice rather than a scientific discipline, so its traits are derived from:

  • Centuries of observation by astrologers.
  • Cultural storytelling and mythological symbolism.
  • Modern interpretations that adapt these traditions to contemporary life.

If you’re looking for empirical studies on astrology, you’ll find that most scientific research (e.g., psychology or astronomy) does not validate astrological claims. However, astrology remains a widely followed cultural and psychological tool for self-reflection.

Total Tokens used: 3,750

Analysis: The Mistral model went the most in-depth out of all three. They didn’t ask to specify anything and just gave all the information. They gave more reputable sources, especially the published books.

Reflection

This experiment really exposed to me how different AI models can be from one another. If you want something more quick and brief, it is best to use an OpenAI model. If you want something that goes really in-depth, use a Minstral model. The sources given by all of them proved that they all gave accurate information, however, I found that the Minstral model gave the more reputable sources. The Anthropic model did ask me to specify what type of source that I wanted, and I asked for websites because I thought they’d be easier to compare when analyzing which models gave the better sources. The Minstral model did not ask to specify and just gave me two different categories of sources. The OpenAI model also did not ask me to specify and assumed that I wanted the briefest and quickest answer. One thing that surprised me was the amount of tokens used. The Anthropic and OpenAI model used close to the same amount of tokens, while the Minstral model used about ten times less tokens than both of them while giving out the most information. I honestly would say that the Minstral model is the better model after doing this experiment.

Who is the Internet for?: My thoughts on Accessibility and Openness

This image is showcasing the transferring of content from the developers to the users. The developer uses authoring and evaluation tools to create their content and make their content accessible while the users use browsers, media players, and assistive technologies to view the content.

After watching and reading material on accessibility and openness on the web, I want to discuss my thoughts.

Why?

Being open on the web can be very beneficial to everyone. People can gain a lot of knowledge from other’s willingness to share openly. Openness on the web gives people the ability to connect with numerous individuals worldwide. We are more aware and have knowledge of a lot of things we might not have known if the internet wasn’t as open and accessible. The open web has given everyone the ability to learn new skills, articulate their opinions, and hear advice from a variety of people.

Here’s a link that discusses more on this topic:

How?

The people who want to share would have to make sure their post is accessible globally and to all. This can really make a huge impact by making sure everyone is aware and educated about certain subjects that it can make an impact on society. For example, some people don’t watch the news, but they are on social media a lot. Content creators on platforms like YouTube, Tiktok, Instagram, etc. can share and talk about important topics on the news. Another example could be on how to tie a tie. Maybe someone’s father never taught them, so it is great that there is a lot of content that they could watch or read that can teach them a skill that will be very handy for most adult men. One more example is if someone wants to expand their business, there is plenty of material online that can aid in their success.

Why?

One has to make sure content is accessible to ones with disabilities to avoid committing discrimination. Everyone has the right to be able to access content on the web. Doing this will ensure that your content is not just limited to certain groups of people. Making content accessible is not only beneficial to people with disabilities, but the person/people posting the content as well. It is beneficial because it will cause a lot more people to view the content. The content creator will also avoid costly lawsuits from the people who feel like they’ve been wronged.

This link can go more in depth on this concept:

How?

One can do their research and even use online platforms/tools to help them in the process. The internet has gotten so advanced that there are many web browsers and authoring tools that help users with disabilities. Tools that can help make content more accessible include headers, transcripts, alternative texts for images, and keyboard input.

In conclusion, I believe the internet is and should be for everyone. We all have the right to be able to access and benefit from all it gives. From the beginning days of the open web, many might have been unaware of the impact it could have on people and society as a whole. Through the years, content creators had to adapt to the changing and more inclusive society. We have access to the whole world of information and continue to connect, learn, and share.

Mariam

Mariam is a student attending the University of Mary Washington. Her major is Business Administration and she is currently a senior. One day, she is hoping to have a respectable office job.

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