Don’t believe everything you see: how AI is spreading mis-, dis- and mal-information and what to do about it
Have you ever come across a viral post or news story that seemed too good to be true? Or maybe you’ve seen a video that looked so realistic you couldn’t tell if it was real or fake? Welcome to the world of misinformation, disinformation and mal–information.
‘Understanding Information Disorder‘ by First Draft News is licenced under CC-BY 4.0.
Misinformation has always been around but tends to spike during events like elections or health crises. Dealing with misinformation involves two key actions:
- Learning how to assess and verify what you see.
- Knowing how to respond when someone else shares something false or misleading.
What is mis-, dis- and mal-information?
Misinformation is false or misleading information that is spread either intentionally or unintentionally. It can be spread through social media, news outlets or word of mouth. Misinformation is often created to generate clicks, likes or views, or to promote a particular agenda or ideology.
Can you tell if comments are from a genuine account or professional troll? Play Spot the Troll game
Disinformation is similar to misinformation, but it’s spread with the intent to deceive. Disinformation can be spread by governments, political campaigns or individuals with a specific agenda. Disinformation is often used to sow discord, influence elections or discredit individuals or organisations.
Would you know if you were watching a deepfake? Play the game
Mal-information is true information that is spread with the intent to harm someone’s reputation or cause other forms of harm. Mal-information can be used to shame or embarrass someone, or to spread fear or panic. Mal-information can be spread through gossip, social media or news outlets. Examples of mal-information include phishing, doxing, swatting and revenge porn.
As the above chart shows, these categories are not fixed and can change over time. For example, if misinformation is proven to be false but people continue to share it, it can become disinformation. Similarly, mal-information can transform into disinformation if it gains enough traction on social media and modifies the original narrative.
Mis-, dis- and mal-information gone viral
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become the sneaky accomplice of mis-, dis- and mal-information, promoting their viral spread online. For instance, deepfakes, AI-manipulated videos and images now deceive users with such high frequency that it can be hard to tell what’s real and what’s not. These manipulations can spread like wildfire across social media, making it harder for us to distinguish between fact and fiction. An example is the deepfake videos of Tom Cruise that went viral on TikTok, showing just how convincing these manipulations can be.
TikTok, in particular, has become a hotbed for the spread of misinformation, with videos ranging from COVID-19 conspiracy theories to false information about the US election. The platform’s algorithm-based content curation system has been criticised for allowing misleading content to go viral, without fact-checking. Some users have even used TikTok to spread dangerous misinformation related to mental health, promoting harmful and unproven treatments.
But deepfakes aren’t the only way that AI is contributing to the spread of false information. Have you ever noticed how social media seems to know exactly what you like and what you don’t? That’s because algorithms powered by AI are constantly analysing your behaviour to figure out what to show you next. While this can be helpful in some cases, it can also lead to a ‘filter bubble’ where you’re only exposed to information that confirms your pre-existing beliefs. This can make it harder to recognise when something is false or misleading.
Adding to the challenge, AI-powered bots have also become part of the misinformation landscape, amplifying and spreading false information to create the illusion of support for certain theories or narratives. Researchers are predicting that this will only get easier as AI use grows. The result? False information goes viral, making it harder for us to find accurate information.
So how can you spot mis-, dis- and mal-information?
We’ve put together a few tips:
- Check the source: Make sure the source of the information is trustworthy and reputable. Don’t trust information from questionable websites or sources you don’t know. Test your source-checking skills with the ABC Source Checker game.
- Look for supporting evidence: Try to find other sources that agree with the information to make sure it’s accurate. Don’t rely on just one source.
- Watch out for emotional language: False information often uses strong language or tries to make you feel a certain way. Be careful of information that seems too dramatic or emotional. Watch this video about climate change – did you pay more attention to specific information that supports your beliefs?
- Fact-check: Use reliable fact-checking resources like Reuters to verify the accuracy of the information.
- Be cautious on social media: Social media can be a source of false information, so be careful when consuming information there. Verify the accuracy of the information before accepting it as true – and before liking or reposting it.
- Be aware of bias: We all have our own beliefs and opinions, but it’s important to be aware of them when evaluating information. Try to approach new information with an open mind and consider alternative perspectives. Test yourself with Harvard’s Implicit Bias test.
- Use resources provided by Deakin University: We have created resources to help students understand misinformation, disinformation and mal-information. Check out our Misinformation resource guide.
By being aware of these tips, you can protect yourself and others from being misled by false information. Plus, it’s always more fun to be a savvy internet user than to fall for a hoax or fake news story!
Having conversations with people who believe misinformation
Speaking up when someone shares misinformation is important, as silence can allow it to spread. While these conversations can be uncomfortable, approaching them with empathy creates space for learning and connection. Most people share misinformation out of confusion or concern, not malice, so focus on trust, not winning an argument.
Tips for having constructive conversations:
- Stay calm and respectful.
- Listen to and understand their concerns.
- Find common ground.
- Share reliable info gently.
- Encourage critical thinking.
- Know when to pause if things get tense.
For more tips and tricks on how to have conversations with others who believe misinformation, check out our Dealing with Misinformation resource guide.