AI Is Intensifying a 'Collapse' of Trust Online, Experts Say (www.nbcnews.com)

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence are exacerbating a crisis of trust online, according to experts. As AI-generated images and videos flood social media, discerning fact from fiction has become increasingly challenging. A notable instance involved deceptive media surrounding a recent tragic incident involving an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, where manipulated visuals circulated widely. Jeff Hancock from Stanford highlighted that this erosion of trust could shift societal norms, making skepticism the default when engaging with digital content. The rapid spread of AI-driven misinformation creates confusion, particularly during fast-moving news events, diminishing the reliability of authentic evidence. This situation mirrors historical struggles with media misinformation, but the speed and sophistication of AI complicate detection efforts significantly. Researchers emphasize the cognitive burden on users who must sift through vast amounts of synthetic and real content daily. Social media executives, like Instagram's Adam Mosseri, express concern that users may soon default to skepticism regarding all visual information, fundamentally altering their interaction with digital media. As misinformation prevails, experts advocate for enhanced media literacy, including forthcoming assessments by the OECD aimed at educating younger generations about AI's impact on trust and content reliability. In this rapidly evolving landscape, fostering awareness and critical thinking becomes essential for users navigating an increasingly deceptive online environment.