I am convinced that AI will not intensify the dissemination of false information.

Will AI Truly Accelerate the Spread of Disinformation? A Closer Look

In recent discussions, many voices have expressed concern that artificial intelligence might significantly amplify the proliferation of false information. The idea is that AI’s capacity to generate vast amounts of content at scale could lead to an overwhelming flood of “junk” or misleading material, making disinformation even more pervasive than before.

However, upon closer examination, this assumption may not be entirely accurate. Let’s consider how content consumption works in reality. If you or I spend time scrolling through social media platforms—say, TikTok or similar apps—we typically view around 100 to 150 short-form videos in a sitting. Introducing AI-generated content into this mix doesn’t necessarily increase the volume of content we engage with; it often feels indistinguishable from human-created material.

The core issue isn’t just the quantity but the nature of our consumption habits. Humanity has already produced an enormous amount of disinformation—many times over—yet the extent to which we encounter such content hasn’t drastically changed in recent years. Our attention is naturally drawn to entertainment, humor, emotional appeals, or sensational topics, regardless of whether they were crafted by humans or AI. Consequently, the proportion of disinformation we see remains relatively stable.

Furthermore, the format of content delivery plays a significant role. Modern media often employs subtle cues—like provocative headlines, emotionally charged clips, or edited video snippets—that can facilitate the spread of falsehoods without making them overtly apparent. For instance, a heavily edited clip featuring a political figure saying something they didn’t actually say can be more convincing than outright lies told in simple speeches.

The primary concern some raise is the potential for AI to generate highly convincing doctored videos or “deepfakes” of celebrities or politicians, which could be used to spread false narratives. While this is a valid concern, it’s important to recognize that the overall impact may not be as transformative as feared. Given the sheer volume of disinformation already circulating and the ways people consume content, these sophisticated manipulations might integrate into the existing landscape rather than fundamentally changing it.

In conclusion, while AI does introduce new tools for content creation—some of which may facilitate disinformation—its effect on how much false information we encounter may be limited. Our content consumption habits and the nature of media formats continue to shape the landscape more significantly than the technology behind it.

**What are your thoughts on AI’s impact on disinformation? Do you see it as a game-changer or just another