A recent survey has revealed that 58 per cent of adults in the United States have been deceived by misinformation generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The study done by HostingAdvice, which surveyed over 1,000 people aged between 18 – 43, highlights the pervasive influence of sophisticated misinformation technologies on public perception and human behaviour.
The survey found that AI-generated content, which often includes realistic images, videos, and articles, can be incredibly convincing.
“A staggering 58% of people we surveyed have been fooled by AI-generated fake news, or at least, know they’ve been fooled,” part of the report reads.
Gender differences in susceptibility were evident in the survey results. Approximately 60 per cent of women reported being tricked by fake news, compared to 56 per cent of men, according to the survey.
However, men were more likely to engage in arguments over fake news, with 44 per cent of men versus 35 per cent of women reporting conflicts. Nearly 40 per cent of respondents admitted that fake news has led to arguments or conflicts, which has affected their relationships.
Generational disparities are also significant. About 69 per cent of Gen Z respondents have fallen for AI-generated fake news, compared to 56 per cent of millennials. This higher susceptibility among younger individuals may be due to their extensive use of social media, where emotionally charged content often proliferates.
The survey also revealed widespread concern about the impact of fake news on politics.
Approximately 70 per cent of respondents expressed anxiety about how AI-generated misinformation might influence the upcoming 2024 election. This concern was particularly pronounced in the Western U.S., where 79 per cent of respondents voiced worry about fake news affecting political outcomes.
Furthermore, 17 per cent of respondents said their political views have shifted due to fake news. The survey indicated that 35 per cent of people have experienced anxiety or stress because of misinformation, while 30 per cent made poor decisions based on false information.
Approximately 22 per cent of respondents experienced financial loss as a direct result of misleading content.
Warnimont highlighted the broader implications of the survey’s findings thus: “Mental health, financial stability, political views — these are all affected by AI-generated fake news. We may think we’re better at identifying it than others, but the stats often show otherwise.”
The experts recommended a stronger focus on education to tackle this growing issue as the survey highlights the urgent need to teach children and adults how to critically evaluate online information and identify fake news.
According to the survey, current digital literacy programs in schools and colleges are a step in the right direction, but this education must extend beyond the classroom.
“Spreading awareness and improving digital literacy across all age groups will help individuals better discern credible information from falsehoods,” the survey noted.
The experts also stated that social media platforms such as Facebook, X, and Instagram need to develop more sophisticated algorithms to detect and flag fake news.
The survey further reveals that the appeal of conspiracy theories and sensational stories underscores a broader tendency to seek out engaging narratives, even when they are not based on fact.
By combining educational efforts with advanced technological solutions, the survey emphasizes that significant progress can be made in reducing the impact of AI-generated fake news and fostering a more informed society.
Nurudeen Akewushola is a fact-checker with FactCheckHub. He has authored several fact checks which have contributed to the fight against information disorder. You can reach him via [email protected] and @NurudeenAkewus1 via Twitter.
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