Variation 123: “I believe AI won’t exacerbate the spread of disinformation.”

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Disinformation: A Thoughtful Perspective

In recent discussions, many express concern that the rise of AI will exponentially amplify the spread of disinformation across digital platforms. The worry is that AI’s ability to generate vast amounts of content—often indistinguishable from human-created material—will flood social media with misinformation, making it even harder for users to discern truth from fiction.

However, I believe this scenario may be overstated. When considering how humans consume media, it becomes clearer that the mere increase in AI-generated content doesn’t necessarily equate to a proportional rise in exposure to disinformation.

Imagine spending time browsing TikTok or similar platforms. Regardless of whether the content is produced by humans or AI, the number of videos one typically watches in a session hovers around a certain range—say, 100 to 150 short clips. Adding AI-generated videos might increase the volume, but not necessarily the proportion of disinformation you encounter. After all, humans already ingest enormous quantities of information daily—much of it generated by other humans—so integrating AI content doesn’t dramatically alter the overall landscape.

The core point is that my media consumption patterns tend to remain stable. I gravitate towards certain formats—cat videos, fails, emotional political content, and a mix of miscellaneous clips—regardless of how much AI content is out there. Therefore, I don’t expect my exposure to disinformation to surge simply because AI makes it easier to produce more of it.

Moreover, disinformation often exploits specific media formats that are already prevalent. For instance, edited clips or sensational snippets—regardless of whether they’re AI-generated—can sway opinions subtly. An edited clip of a politician or celebrity, framed in a certain way, can be more convincing than outright falsehoods delivered openly.

The main difference AI might introduce is the proliferation of doctored videos or images that appear authentic. However, given the vast scale of media we already consume, I believe these sophisticated deepfakes and manipulated content won’t drastically change the overall landscape of misinformation we face.

In summary, while AI will undoubtedly augment the tools for creating disinformation, I don’t see it fundamentally changing how much or how often we encounter false information. Our habits, preferences, and media consumption patterns play a significant role in shaping our exposure. What are your thoughts on this perspective?