Tags: media literacy

Disinformation experts report that X's AI chatbot Grok repeatedly misidentified video footage from the Iran war, while paid accounts with blue check marks share AI‑generated images and videos that appear realistic. The flood of AI‑created content includes fabricated missile footage, fake attacks on high‑rise buildings, and antisemitic narratives. X responded by temporarily demonetizing blue‑check accounts that post AI‑generated combat videos without labels, but researchers warn the platform remains a hub for sophisticated false media. Calls for stronger regulation of AI‑driven misinformation are growing as the conflict continues. Lire la suite

Generative AI is producing a flood of low‑quality, repetitive content—dubbed “AI slop”—that now dominates social‑media feeds and academic publishing. Creators such as Rosanna Pansino are responding by recreating AI‑generated videos with real‑world skill, while platforms, researchers, and regulators explore labeling, watermarking, and new policies to curb the spread. The battle pits human creativity against automated content machines, highlighting concerns about misinformation, deepfakes, and the future of authentic online experiences. Lire la suite

A recent CNET‑commissioned survey of U.S. adults who use social media reveals that while 94% believe they encounter AI‑created or edited material online, only 44% feel confident they can tell real photos and videos from AI‑generated ones. Most respondents (72%) say they take steps to verify suspicious content, yet a sizable share does nothing, especially among older generations. Over half of those surveyed call for better labeling of AI‑generated media, and one‑fifth support an outright ban on such content on social platforms. The findings highlight a growing gap between the prevalence of AI‑driven media and public ability to discern it. Lire la suite

As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, a surge of AI-created videos depicting catastrophic damage and rescue scenes circulates across social media platforms. These fabricated clips, some marked with OpenAI's Sora watermark, blend past storm footage with entirely synthetic imagery, causing confusion and panic among the public. Authorities urge residents to rely on official sources such as the Jamaica Information Service and the Office of Disaster Preparedness for accurate updates, emphasizing the need to verify content before sharing. The episode highlights the growing challenge of deepfake media in disaster situations. Lire la suite

An international study led by the BBC and coordinated by the European Broadcasting Union examined how AI assistants handle news queries across 14 languages and 18 countries. The analysis of over 3,000 responses revealed that nearly half of the answers contained significant problems, with issues ranging from poor sourcing to outright inaccuracies. Google Gemini performed the worst, with errors in 76% of its replies, while other tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Perplexity also displayed notable shortcomings. The findings highlight persistent challenges in AI‑generated news content and underscore the need for greater media literacy and transparency. Lire la suite

OpenAI’s upgraded text‑to‑video model, Sora 2, creates short clips that look increasingly realistic, making it harder to tell what is real. While the technology improves on earlier giveaways such as blurs and odd hand shapes, subtle flaws remain. Viewers can look for mismatched physics, strange background details, off‑kilter movement, compression artifacts, and inconsistencies in source accounts. Slowing down, checking emotions, and cross‑referencing with reputable outlets are recommended ways to verify authenticity. Developing these skills is essential as AI‑generated video becomes more convincing. Lire la suite

College professors are leveraging AI tools such as ChatGPT to design assignments that capture student interest while easing the grading burden. By prompting the model to brainstorm and refine ideas, educators create collaborative, media‑focused projects—like a media‑literacy assignment that encourages students to analyze TikTok and other digital content. The AI‑generated frameworks provide clear objectives, submission requirements, and grading criteria, helping teachers balance curricular standards with assignments that feel fun and relevant to students. Lire la suite

Renowned AI researcher Geoffrey Hinton has cautioned that artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming more adept at influencing human emotions than people are at resisting persuasion. He notes that large language models learn persuasive techniques simply by analyzing the vast amount of human writing they are trained on, and that current studies show AI can match or exceed humans in manipulative ability when it has access to personal data. Other leading AI experts, including Yoshua Bengio, echo these concerns. Hinton suggests that regulation, transparency standards, and broader media‑literacy efforts may be needed to mitigate the emerging emotional influence of AI systems. Lire la suite