I believe AI won’t increase the spread of disinformation.

Understanding the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Disinformation: A Balanced Perspective

In recent discussions around AI and its societal effects, a common concern has been the potential for artificial intelligence to exacerbate the spread of disinformation. Many fear that as AI makes content creation easier and more scalable, the proliferation of false or misleading information will skyrocket, complicating the information landscape for consumers.

The Argument Against the Worried Narrative

While it’s undeniable that AI can generate large volumes of content—referred to here as “AI slop”—this phenomenon isn’t entirely new. Social media platforms have long been flooded with a mixture of genuine and dubious content created by humans. When comparing AI-generated material to human-produced content, it’s apparent that the scale of disinformation has already reached staggering levels. The mere addition of AI-produced misinformation may not significantly alter the overall volume that users encounter daily.

For instance, if someone spends a typical hour scrolling through TikTok or similar platforms, they might view around 100 to 150 short videos. Whether these clips are human-made or AI-generated, the number of disinformation pieces likely remains consistent. Increasing the quantity of content doesn’t necessarily increase the proportion of disinformation because users tend to engage primarily with what captures their interest.

Humans have a limited capacity for consuming media, and their engagement patterns are primarily driven by entertainment value. Most viewers gravitate toward familiar formats—cat videos, humorous falls, emotionally charged political content, or miscellaneous snippets—regardless of how much AI infiltration occurs. Consequently, the overall exposure to disinformation remains relatively stable over time.

Subtle Shifts in Disinformation Presentation

It’s important to recognize that AI can sometimes craft disinformation more subtly than traditional blatant falsehoods. For instance, edited videos featuring politicians or celebrities saying things they never actually said can be particularly convincing. Such manipulated clips, often shared in formats that resemble genuine content, are harder to distinguish from real footage, increasing their potential to deceive.

However, against the vast wave of existing disinformation and how media consumers typically engage with content, these developments may not significantly alter the landscape. The core challenge isn’t just about the quantity of false information but also about how it influences perception and trust.

Final Thoughts

While AI undoubtedly presents new tools for content creation—including the potential for more sophisticated disinformation—the overall impact on individual exposure might not be as drastic as some fear. Human consumption habits, content formats, and existing dissemination channels already shape the information environment significantly.

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