I firmly believe that artificial intelligence will not amplify the spread of misinformation.

Understanding the Impact of AI on Disinformation: A Thoughtful Perspective

In recent discussions, a common concern has emerged: Will artificial intelligence amplify the spread of disinformation? Many fear that AI’s ability to generate vast amounts of synthetic content could flood digital spaces with misinformation, making it more challenging to discern truth from falsehood.

The Perceived Threat of AI-Generated Misinformation

It’s undeniable that AI systems produce a significant amount of content—particularly within social media platforms—leading some to believe that disinformation will inevitably surge. The sheer volume of AI-generated material appears to be growing rapidly, and with it, the potential for more convincing false narratives.

Reevaluating the Scale and Impact

However, from a practical standpoint, the situation may not be as dire as it seems. Imagine spending time on platforms like TikTok, scrolling through short-form videos. Regardless of whether the content is human-created or AI-produced, the typical user’s consumption habits don’t necessarily change. Most individuals will watch around 100 to 150 videos in a session, regardless of how many are artificially generated. Introducing AI content into the mix doesn’t inherently increase this number or the proportion of disinformation encountered.

The Nature of Content Consumption

Historically, humans have consumed enormous amounts of disinformation—be it traditional media, social posts, or online videos. The core issue isn’t just the volume but how our brains process and prioritize what we see. Our engagement tends to focus on entertainment and relatable content—cats, fails, emotional stories, political debates—regardless of whether the source is genuine or AI-enhanced. In this sense, the overall exposure to disinformation remains relatively stable over time.

Subtle Forms of Disinformation

AI can craft misleading content that’s more subtle and harder to detect, such as edited clips or images of celebrities or politicians saying things they never uttered. For example, a manipulated clip of a public figure saying something provocative could circulate widely and be mistaken for reality, but such instances aren’t new. Historically, doctored images and fabricated stories have always existed; AI just makes these more accessible and convincing.

The Bigger Picture

Ultimately, the scale of disinformation consumption is dictated more by human habits than by the presence of AI-generated content alone. The context in which we consume media—what we find entertaining, credible, or compelling—remains consistent. While AI can create more realistic fakes, it doesn’t fundamentally alter the patterns of how audiences view and interpret content