I Maintain That Artificial Intelligence Will Not Worsen the Disinformation Crisis

Will Artificial Intelligence Really Accelerate the Spread of Disinformation? A Perspective for Content Creators and Consumers

In recent discussions, a common concern has emerged: that AI technology might significantly amplify the proliferation of misinformation and falsehoods online. Many fear that, due to AI’s ability to generate vast quantities of content at scale, we could soon face an overwhelming tide of disinformation, cluttering social media and other digital platforms.

The Reality of AI-Generated Content and Misinformation

While it’s true that artificial intelligence today produces a considerable amount of “low-quality” or superficial content—often called “AI slop”—the impact on the overall digital landscape may not be as drastic as some imagine. If you spend time scrolling through popular platforms like TikTok, you’ll notice that both human-created and AI-generated content tend to follow similar patterns and quantities. Simply put, increasing AI involvement doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll encounter more disinformation than you already do.

Human-Generated Noise Has Already Saturated the Internet

It’s important to recognize that the internet has been flooded with misinformation and sensational content long before the recent surge in AI-generated media. The volume of human-produced disinformation is staggering and nearly impossible to filter out entirely. Therefore, the addition of AI-generated falsehoods—although concerning—might not substantially change the overall exposure levels for the average consumer.

Content Consumption Patterns Remain Fairly Consistent

My personal experience suggests that the mix of content I engage with hasn’t shifted dramatically due to AI. I tend to watch a variety of videos: some cat clips, funny fails, political commentary, and miscellaneous viral content. The proportions haven’t increased in terms of misinformation; my viewing habits remain stable, and my brain’s filter for political or misleading content hasn’t fundamentally changed.

The Subtlety of Modern Misinformation

Advancements in AI-driven media have made disinformation more sophisticated and less obvious. For example, edited video clips or snippets featuring public figures can create false impressions without overtly appearing to be fake. These doctored clips may not seem egregious at first glance, making them more insidious and harder to identify than blatant lies or fabricated news stories.

Will AI Significantly Change the Landscape?

The main counter-argument is that AI will produce highly convincing fake videos or audio—deepfakes—that could deceive viewers more effectively. While this risk exists, given the sheer volume of already existing misinformation and the ways people consume content, I believe it won’t drastically