The rising prevalence of disinformation in the current political climate has ignited an information war that is being fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence. Oren Etzioni, founder of TrueMedia.org and an AI researcher, emphasizes the importance of human intelligence in combating fake news. Annalee Newitz, author of “Stories Are Weapons,” also stresses the significance of human discernment in discerning the truth from fabricated stories that are being spread through various platforms.
The consequences of fake news can be dire, as evidenced by instances such as false claims about immigrants causing harassment of residents and spreading disinformation following Hurricane Helene that led to threats against relief workers. Newitz’s research highlights how negative storytelling has been used historically against marginalized groups, such as Native Americans, Black Americans, and the LGBTQ+ community, with similar tactics being employed in the current political climate targeting immigrants and transgender individuals.
AI is being harnessed by both purveyors of disinformation and defenders of truth, with the former utilizing data analysis tools to micro-target stories and spread false narratives for political gain. Organizations like TrueMedia.org and startups in Seattle are using AI to combat deepfakes and disinformation, while other entities, such as RAND and DebunkBot, are actively working to counter fake news through various initiatives.
Despite efforts to combat disinformation, challenges remain, including opposition from lawmakers and the reluctance of some to address the spread of fake news. Etzioni and Newitz emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant, checking sources, paying attention to fake news themes, and learning from historical examples to discern truth from fiction in our information landscape.
Looking ahead, both Etzioni and Newitz express concerns about potential attempts to sway upcoming elections through disinformation tactics. However, they remain optimistic about the resilience of society and the potential for better storytelling to bridge divides and combat misinformation in the long term. By engaging in meaningful conversations and telling better stories together, individuals across the political spectrum can work towards a more informed and united society.
For more insights from Etzioni and Newitz, as well as additional resources and recommendations, listeners can tune in to the Fiction Science podcast and explore related writings and works by the authors. By prioritizing human intelligence, critical thinking, and collaborative efforts, individuals can navigate the complexities of the information war and contribute to a more informed and resilient society.
