I am convinced that AI does not inevitably amplify the dissemination of false information.

Will AI Accelerate the Spread of Disinformation? A Closer Look

In recent discussions, many have expressed concern that artificial intelligence could significantly exacerbate the issue of online disinformation. The premise is that AI’s capability to generate large volumes of low-quality or “junk” content might flood digital spaces, making it harder to discern truth from falsehood. But is this assumption entirely accurate?

Understanding the Landscape of Content Consumption

When we consider social media consumption, a typical user scrolls through a wide array of videos, posts, and images—often numbering in the hundreds or even thousands in a single session. Requests to AI-generated content, from deepfake videos to spammy posts, tend to add to this already overwhelming volume. However, the core pattern remains: people gravitate toward what entertains or interests them most, regardless of its origin.

Will AI-Generated Content Significantly Increase Disinformation?

My perspective is that it won’t necessarily. If you and I each spend a set amount of time browsing social media—say, 100 to 150 short videos—we’re unlikely to see a meaningful increase in disinformation by simply replacing or augmenting existing content with AI-created material. The volume of misinformation circulating online has already reached staggering levels thanks to human activity, and adding more AI-generated content doesn’t automatically tip the scales.

The Human Factor and Content Filters

Our engagement tends to focus on content that appeals to our interests—be it cute animal videos, viral failures, or emotionally charged political clips. The core algorithmic patterns dictate that our exposure remains relatively stable; we’re unlikely to be exposed to more disinformation than we already consume. AI might produce more disinformation, but it doesn’t necessarily mean we encounter more of it unless we actively seek it out.

Subtle Forms of Disinformation

It’s worth noting that disinformation isn’t always blatant lies. Often, it manifests in nuanced ways—clips edited or manipulated to misrepresent context, or compilations that subtly shift meaning. For example, a heavily edited clip of a public figure taken out of context can spread misinformation without appearing overtly false. These tactics can be more insidious because they blend seamlessly into the fabric of normal content.

The Impact of Deepfake and doctored Media

One more concern is the proliferation of realistic deepfake videos or audio recordings, portraying public figures or celebrities saying things they never actually did. While this is a genuine challenge, given the scale of media consumption and the amount of existing