Discussions, summarized

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• Hacker News1Why do LLMs freak out over the seahorse emoji?Large language models like GPT-5, Claude, and Gemini consistently believe a seahorse emoji exists when it never has, similar to a widespread false memory among humans. Using interpretability techniques, researchers found that when asked about seahorse emojis, these models internally construct representations combining "seahorse" and "emoji" concepts, then struggle to find the non-existent token and produce incorrect outputs or spam loops instead.Llm seahorse emoji hallucination mechanics:Discussion explores how LLMs internally represent "seahorse emoji" correctly but fail during output tokenization, causing repair loops when the concept can't be expressed. Some models spiral into endless attempts at correction.Scp foundation creative writing:Users create SCP-314, a fictional entry about a non-existent seahorse emoji that affects both AI and human memory, complete with containment procedures and agent transcripts in classic SCP wiki style.Human false memories and mandela effect:Many humans also believe a seahorse emoji exists, with Reddit posts about "missing" emojis. Discussion covers whether this stems from old messenger apps like MSN/Skype that had custom seahorse emoticons before Unicode standardization.
• Reddit science1Using scented products indoors changes the chemistry of the air, producing as much air pollution as car exhaust does outside, according to a new study. Researchers say that breathing in these nanosized particles could have serious health implications.Using scented products indoors, such as flame-free candles and wax melts, can create significant indoor air pollution comparable to car exhaust. Research by Purdue University found these products release nanosized particles that can penetrate deep into lungs and potentially enter the bloodstream, posing serious respiratory health risks.Misleading title scope:Discussion about how study only focused on wax melts but title suggests all scented products, with debate about whether findings could logically extend to other scented itemsHealth concerns from chemist:A chemist's perspective against using scented products leads to sharing of personal health impact stories, from COPD to cancer cases, and debate about necessity of artificial scentsAir purification solutions:Discussion of HEPA filters and other air purification methods as solutions, with debate about effectiveness against different types of pollutants like VOCs and nanoparticles
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