Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a valuable tool in various industries, but it also has its downsides. One detrimental consequence of AI is the rise of “deepfakes,” which are fabricated photos and videos that can be easily created, spread, and believed due to advancements in AI technology. Deepfakes are often used to present false information as fact and can be found in politics, entertainment, and even targeted against individuals. With just a small amount of data, AI can generate realistic content, making it difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is manipulated.
While AI technology allows users to create new content based on existing material for entertainment purposes, it becomes problematic when it comes to deepfakes. Creating deepfakes has become accessible even to individuals with limited technological knowledge. Moreover, deepfakes are expected to become even more convincing as the technology develops further, incorporating AI-generated voices. One notable example of deepfakes is the circulation of AI-rendered images of Former President Donald Trump being arrested, creating deception and confusion on social media platforms.
Detecting deepfakes is a challenging task, and it is likely to become even more difficult as they become more credible. To combat this issue, social media users need to practice good information hygiene by considering the source and framing of the content. Implementing habits such as verifying the reliability of the source and critically analyzing the framing of the information can help identify deepfakes. In addition, individuals can protect their own data and content from being manipulated by adding watermarks to their images before sharing them on social media. Although the future of AI remains uncertain, it is crucial to navigate its complexities and differentiate between its positive and negative applications.