AI-generated images spreading throughout election season
News & Politics
Introduction
In today's electoral landscape, discerning truth from deception can be particularly challenging. With the multitude of competing advertisements on television and the conflicting information traversing social media, voters face a daunting task in determining which candidates or parties to trust. The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has exacerbated this issue, raising concerns about the integrity of information available to the public.
As Elizabeth Worthington of W2 News noted, the impact of generative AI on the election process was not something voters had to consider during the 2020 presidential election. However, with rapid advancements in AI technology, it is conceivable that by the next presidential election in 2028, distinguishing between real content and AI-generated fakes could become increasingly difficult.
The classic adage, "don't believe everything you see on the internet," has never seemed so pressing; yet, ironically, it is becoming harder to apply. As generative AI becomes more sophisticated, the challenge of verifying the authenticity of online images and information also intensifies. Deepfakes and AI-generated images have proliferated, with malicious actors exploiting this technology for various purposes, from influencing voter opinions to merely chasing clicks and revenue.
Some AI-generated content is designed explicitly to deceive, while others may aim to elicit specific emotional reactions, as exemplified by images intending to frame political figures negatively. For instance, a simulation of Donald Trump fleeing from law enforcement or an image of Kamala Harris speaking against a backdrop of communist flags seeks to instill distrust, even if these scenarios never took place.
University of Maryland media and democracy professor, Daniel Triell, emphasizes that such content often aligns with individuals' pre-existing beliefs, effectively weaponizing their distrust of government. Research indicates that people are more inclined to believe information that aligns with their existing views rather than confronting perspectives that diverge from them.
Triell warns that misinformation, including the dissemination of falsified images, could see a surge around pivotal moments like Election Day, confusing voters about the voting process and potential voter fraud. The Maryland State Board of Elections has taken proactive measures, establishing a rumor control page on its website to provide accurate information and a platform for reporting disinformation.
As AI technology continues to advance, the responsibility of mitigating misinformation falls on everyone sharing content online. While there are indicators of generative AI, such as poorly rendered hands or a glossy appearance, these signs are becoming less distinctive as AI improves. It is increasingly critical for individuals to think critically about the content they share, recognizing that everyone has a role in promoting accurate information and combating disinformation.
Keywords
- Artificial Intelligence
- Election Season
- Disinformation
- Deepfakes
- Misinformation
- Voter Trust
- Media Integrity
FAQ
Q1: What is generative AI? A1: Generative AI refers to a class of artificial intelligence that can create new content, including images and text, based on the data it has been trained on.
Q2: How is AI affecting elections? A2: AI complicates the ability to discern real information from fake. It facilitates the creation of deepfakes and misleading images designed to influence public perception and voter behavior.
Q3: Why is misinformation particularly dangerous during elections? A3: Misinformation can confuse voters, impact decisions, sow distrust in the electoral process, and lead to widespread dissemination of false information about candidates and voting procedures.
Q4: What are some signs of AI-generated images? A4: Common indicators include unnatural representations of hands or fingers, a glossy appearance, or other visual inconsistencies that may suggest manipulation.
Q5: What can I do to verify information before sharing it? A5: It's essential to critically evaluate sources, seek out official information, and consult fact-checking websites or resources provided by election authorities before sharing content.