I Believe AI Will Not Exacerbate Disinformation

Artificial Intelligence GAIadmin July 16, 2025 0 Comments

Will Artificial Intelligence Worsen the Disinformation Crisis? A Critical Perspective

As AI technology advances, a common concern persists: will it amplify the spread of false information and disinformation at an unprecedented scale? Many fear that AI-generated content could flood social media platforms, making it increasingly difficult to discern truth from fiction. However, upon closer examination, the impact of AI on disinformation might not be as straightforward as many assume.

The Reality of Content Consumption

Consider how most people interact with platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube. An average session often involves viewing around 100 to 150 short videos, regardless of whether those videos are created by humans or AI. Introducing AI-generated content into this mix does not inherently increase the volume of disinformation we encounter daily. The total amount of content consumed remains relatively stable; what changes is the origin of the content, not its sheer quantity.

Disinformation Is Already Pervasive

Human-generated disinformation has existed at enormous scales long before AI became a major player. The volume is overwhelming, and it’s practically impossible for any individual to sift through all of it. Since we’re already inundated with exaggerated, misleading, or outright false information, adding AI-produced disinformation doesn’t dramatically alter the overall landscape. Our consumption patterns tend to focus on what entertains or informs us—ranging from funny cat videos to political commentary—regardless of the source or method of creation.

The Subtlety of Modern Disinformation Formats

Today’s disinformation often relies on subtle manipulations rather than blatant lies. Edited clips, heavily curated content, and sensationalized fragments allow for believable yet false narratives. For example, a clip of a politician saying something they never uttered, or a celebrity making a sensational statement out of context, can be convincing enough to influence opinions without appearing obviously fake.

The Perceived Threat of AI-Generated Fake Media

One argument suggests that AI will enable the creation of highly realistic, doctored videos of public figures—sometimes called “deepfakes”—that could deceive audiences more effectively than traditional misinformation. While this is a legitimate concern, the overall impact might be less severe in the grand scheme of media consumption. The mass audience is accustomed to encountering a mix of content—some real, some manipulated. The key difference may be in the ease and scale of production, not necessarily in the amount of disinformation we face.