By Hugo Capelao
Imagine a scenario: you see an online video of a prominent authority announcing a shocking new policy.
The footage looks authentic, the voice is uncannily accurate, and it has already gone viral, so you hit “share”.
The catch? It is entirely fake, conjured up by artificial intelligence (AI) in minutes. As AI advances, it is becoming challenging to tell what is real on the internet.
The Problem: What is Real and What is Not
AI expert Nina Schick predicts that by 2025, as much as 90% of content online could be created using artificial intelligence.
This means that nine out of every ten pieces of content, whether articles, images, or videos, may be generated not by humans but by AI. Additionally, Amazon Web Services (AWS) research indicates that more than half of all online text is possibly generated or translated using AI algorithms.
This highlights a significant shift toward AI-driven content creation in the digital world, raising some big questions: How can we spot whether
content is human or AI-created?
AI opens all sorts of exciting opportunities. Still, it also brings significant risks, especially the spread of sophisticated misinformation (inaccurate information) and disinformation (false content created intentionally to mislead).
Scammers are already using AI to create convincing scams such as investment pitches, job offers, and product offerings by creating fake websites, glowing testimonials, and official-looking documents that can trick even the most careful person.
This is a real threat and presents significant challenges for societies in upholding information integrity and accuracy in the digital era.
How to Stay Afloat in a Sea of AI-Generated Content
So, how can you protect yourself and your loved ones from being fooled by AI-generated fakes?
The answer is becoming “AI literate”, which is the ability to navigate AI-generated content with critical thinking and sound judgment, and learning how to spot what is real and what is not, using technology, common sense, and reasonable old-fashioned scepticism. Here is how:
Stay Curious about AI: Learn about AI’s capabilities and stay updated on emerging threats.
Become familiar with typical deceptive AI applications, such as fake news articles or deepfake
videos and images that alter a person’s appearance.
Use Security Tools: Use browser extensions and software that can help you identify AI-generated content, spot phishing attempts, or flag potentially untrustworthy websites. Keep your devices secure and your accounts protected.
Spot the (Almost) Perfect: AI-generated images and videos used to look cartoonish or off in some way, such as an extra finger, or weird proportions. They are often hyper-realistic, with flawless skin and vibrant colours that look almost too perfect to be real.
Embrace Healthy Scepticism: If a claim seems too good to be true, shocking, or elicits strong emotions, investigate it. Before you share, take a pause. Sensational headlines are often a red flag.
Stay Informed: Regularly read reliable news sources to keep up with current events. A strong understanding of the world provides a baseline for evaluating new information.
Diversify Your Information Sources: Consider diverse perspectives and follow reputable journalists and subject matter experts on various platforms.
Fact-Check Like a Journalist: Use reliable news sources and reputable fact-checking sites like Politifact.com or FactCheck.org. Always verify information with multiple trustworthy sources before believing it or sharing it with others.
Learn to Spot Disinformation Tactics: Learn to recognise standard techniques, such as emotionally charged language, selective presentation of facts, or the creation of fake profiles and websites. If you encounter disinformation, scams, or misleading AI-generated content, report it through the social media platform’s reporting features.
A Collective Shield
As AI-generated content becomes a standard part of our digital lives, vigilance against disinformation and misinformation is more important than ever. This requires a comprehensive approach, combining technological safety measures with behavioural techniques.
However, individual preparation is not enough; we must also include our trusted circles of friends, family, and colleagues to raise awareness and educate each other about potential risks and how to spot misinformation. Ultimately, our collective commitment to vigilance and mindful digital habits will help us navigate this world of AI-generated content.
*Hugo Capelao is the Head of Business Re-Engineering at Bank Windhoek
