In the modern day, the majority of our news comes through the medium of the internet. Social media, websites, podcasts and videos. But with the alarmingly rapid progress of A.I. how will we be able to differentiate between what is real and what is fake? Further still, will this lead to the death of news as we know it?
From an initial outlook in terms of traditional media, the answer appears quite simple, no A.I. cannot experience real time events and judiciously create a source of information. That aspect of media is still very much secure. However, how the story itself is written, edited and warped is very much in the field of the capabilities of A.I. engines. So the process from the events actually occurring to the general public accessing the story, a lot can change.
The real issue lies in where we choose to consume our media. Newspapers and reputable websites very much oppose the use of A.I. in their journalism, and as such are not at risk. Yet in recent years social media has become a key medium for a large number of people to access information on politics, international relations and world events. Reuters conducted a study where they believed that over 54% of people world wide received news from social media. Since social media such as X, Tiktok and Instagram, do not have the same grievances against A.I. created stories, that means that up to half of the global population could be seeing fake news.
However, here are two sides to this coin. Yes some news can be created or manipulated that is relatively inconsequential. Such as showing a politician dance, or a footballer repeat a popular meme. Although be it containing a whole different can of worms. But the major issues is A.I. being used to maliciously alter the appearance of events. In the UK fake videos of migrant crossings have been used to sow hate and division among the population. As well as fake videos around the genocide in Gaza and the Ukraine-Russian conflict. This can be very concerning indeed.
Due to the medium of social media allowing the use of A.I., propaganda has never been easier. For whichever side or campaign a user chooses they can add convincing, although completely false, evidence to support their claim. If but a handful of people change their views based of these videos and pictures, then on a macro scale it could swing elections or shape global views on conflcits.
In refusing to endorse conspiracy theories, it is impossible to point to any motive or culprits for utilising A.I. as a weapon of disinformation. Yet the results so far have been severely concerning. Is it perhaps time to regulate how we use A.I.? or perhaps ban it from social media altogether. For we cannot change how people access their news, but perhaps we can ensure it is at least correct.
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