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Artificial Intelligence: Authentic versus Deceptive - Discern the Variation?

Distinguishing AI-contrived occurrences from authentic brand promotions: A challenge for discernment.

Identifying Authenticity: A Challenging Game - Discerning Real AI from Its Fake Counterparts?
Identifying Authenticity: A Challenging Game - Discerning Real AI from Its Fake Counterparts?

Artificial Intelligence: Authentic versus Deceptive - Discern the Variation?

In the digital age, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a powerful tool, revolutionising various aspects of our lives. However, its influence on social media is particularly noteworthy, as it has the potential to both enhance authenticity and create deceptive content.

A recent study has shed light on this dual role, revealing that over 1 in 2 people often mindlessly scroll through social media, and almost one quarter agreed that if people continue using social media as they currently do, over the next 50 to 100 years, people will be more susceptible to fake news [1].

AI has significantly complicated the discernibility of real versus fake content on social media. The proliferation of AI-generated images, such as deepfakes and synthetic media, has made it increasingly difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is not. This was evident in a comparison between Ikea x Patagonia and Jacquemus, where the image on the right was not a collaboration between the two brands [2]. Interestingly, the comparison itself was a fictional scenario created for testing purposes.

On the other hand, AI is also used by platforms for content moderation, filtering spam, and detecting harmful or guideline-violating content. For instance, Instagram employs AI to block harmful comments and detect bullying behaviours in real time [3]. TikTok utilises AI-powered facial recognition and image analysis for video filtering and authenticity checks [3].

However, concerns persist among industry experts and government officials about the ethical, privacy, and regulatory implications of AI tools, particularly regarding misinformation, the potential erosion of public trust, and the challenges of accountability amid the proliferation of synthetic content.

The widespread coverage and fear of AI misinformation may itself undermine trust in legitimate content. Some public figures exploit the "liar’s dividend" by denying authentic statements as fake, complicating the accountability landscape [2].

Industry applications of AI also include brand collaborations and campaigns. The use of AI in such collaborations, like the pop-up event at Coachella between artist Bad Bunny and Adidas, is becoming more common in popular culture [4].

Despite these concerns, experts like Geoffrey Hinton, often referred to as the 'godfather of AI', have expressed apprehension about the power of AI [5]. The challenge lies in striking a balance between harnessing the benefits of AI and ensuring its ethical and responsible use.

In conclusion, AI's dual role as both a tool for managing content authenticity and a means to fabricate deceptive media creates a complex challenge on social media platforms, attracting significant concern from industry and government stakeholders. It is crucial that we navigate this landscape with caution, promoting transparency, accountability, and human oversight to avoid the misuse of these powerful tools for creating or unintentionally spreading fake content.

References:

[1] The Guardian

[2] TechCrunch

[3] Wired

[4] Adweek

[5] BBC News

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