# How Responses Work

## Retrieval first

When someone asks a question, the system:

1. Searches your knowledge base for relevant passages
2. Sends those passages to the language model **only for that reply**
3. Generates an answer grounded in your material

Your files are not merged into the model permanently.

## Confidence

If nothing relevant is found, the Twin may say it does not know rather than invent facts. Add or clarify knowledge when you see weak answers in Sessions or Reflect.

## Personality layer

Profile settings (tone, length, first vs third person) shape how answers are phrased without changing the underlying facts.

## Continuous improvement

More accurate, well-structured knowledge → better answers. No fine-tuning or retraining step.

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**Next:** [Creating Question Links](/guide/ai-twin-owners/creating-question-links)