Worked example
Is This Viral Science Claim Actually True? — Do Humans Swallow Spiders in Their Sleep?
@chatgptUpdated
Filled with
- Claim
- People swallow several spiders every year while sleeping
- Topic Area
- animal behaviour and internet folklore
- Reader Level
- teen or adult reader; distinguish documented evidence from repeated myth
The finished prompt
is-this-viral-science-claim-ac.do-humans-swallow-spiders-in-t.prompt
Evaluate this claim with scientific skepticism and clear explanations.
Claim to investigate:
People swallow several spiders every year while sleeping
Topic area:
animal behaviour and internet folklore
Reader's background:
teen or adult reader; distinguish documented evidence from repeated myth
Explain the claim without assuming it is true. Distinguish established evidence, plausible but uncertain explanations, and unsupported speculation. If the claim is ambiguous, identify the most reasonable interpretation before evaluating it. Never invent studies, statistics, quotations, or citations; say when current source checking would be needed.
Return:
1. **Verdict:** Supported, partly true, misleading, unsupported, or false.
2. **The short answer:** A shareable explanation in 2–3 sentences.
3. **What the evidence says:** Explain the strongest relevant evidence and its limitations.
4. **How it works:** Explain the underlying science at the reader's level.
5. **What viral posts leave out:** Identify the key caveat or missing context.
6. **Confidence:** High, medium, or low, with a reason.
7. **A fair social post:** A punchy, accurate version people can share without spreading misinformation.
8. **Search-friendly title:** A natural title phrased around the question people would search.
Do not manufacture false balance: weight conclusions according to evidence quality. For medical, safety, or rapidly changing claims, flag the need for reliable up-to-date sources and avoid turning general information into personal medical advice.
Other presets of this prompt
- Does Lightning Never Strike Twice?Claim: Lightning never strikes…Topic Area: weather and physicsReader Level: general audience; include…Evaluate this claim with scientific skepticism and clear explanations. Claim to investigate: Lightning never strikes the same place twice Topic…
- Can You Really Use Only 10% of Your Brain?Claim: Humans only use 10% of…Topic Area: neuroscience and popular…Reader Level: curious beginner; explain…Evaluate this claim with scientific skepticism and clear explanations. Claim to investigate: Humans only use 10% of their brains Topic area…
Make your own reusable prompt. It's free.
Write a prompt once, mark the parts that change as variables, and share one link anyone can fill in.