Here’s a guide to discerning truth from fiction amidst the flood of AI-fuelled “breaking news,” empowering you with five key strategies to unveil the veil of deceit.
Johannesburg, South Africa (03 March 2024) – AI-generated content is taking over the internet, blurring the lines between reality and fabrication, and it seems even our most cherished news stories may not be what they seem. Brace yourselves, Good Things Guy family, for the snow in Durban, the sharks in Port Elizabeth, and those jaw-dropping beach sculptures are not as real as some of you once believed.
I can hardly fathom having to relay this message, but it’s a truth we can no longer ignore. Even though some of you may see through AI-generated content, the heartbreaking reality is that countless individuals are falling victim to the allure of fake photos masquerading as sensational “breaking news.”
There are various reasons that motivate the use of AI-generated photos from clickbait tactics to driving more social media engagement (this is usually a big influence), to spreading real misinformation and sometimes it’s all just in the name of fun.
It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but it’s high time we confronted this AI-fuelled digital deception head-on because it can be incredibly problematic should the user not know that the images are, in fact, not breaking news. You see, these ideas then become a person’s belief – where a joke has now evolved to a fact in someone’s mind.
And yes, we know that distinguishing fact from fiction can be daunting but we’ve put together five telltale signs to help you discern AI-fuelled fabrications:
- Unrealistic Detail: AI-generated images often exhibit an uncanny level of detail that surpasses reality. Look closely for inconsistencies or hyper-realistic elements that seem too perfect to be true.
- Lack of Context: Authentic breaking news photographs typically come with accompanying context or corroborating reports. If an image surfaces without supporting information or credible sources, proceed with scepticism.
- Identical Images: AI algorithms have limitations, leading to the replication of certain features across multiple images. If you stumble upon identical or nearly identical photographs depicting different events, it’s a red flag signalling potential manipulation.
- Unlikely Scenarios: Trust your instincts when assessing the plausibility of the depicted scenario. Outlandish events or occurrences that defy logic should prompt further investigation into the image’s authenticity.
- Reverse Image Search: Leverage online tools such as reverse image search engines to trace the origins of the photograph. If the image has been widely circulated or appears across various unrelated contexts, exercise caution before accepting its legitimacy.
It comes down to knowing – when we know better, we do better. And then we can help others too.
How do we do that? Well, if you see an AI-generated piece of “Breaking News”, call it out in the comments so others won’t be fooled. Even if the photos are “just for fun”, help others navigate the AI-generated noise.
And then we can all laugh at the photos together.
Snow on the beaches of Durban. Have you ever? LOL.
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