How to spot AI and misinformation online

AI-generated political messaging and misinformation can quickly spread online. But, what is AI and why does it matter? AI and misinformation experts all agree that it is nearly impossible to spot AI-created text, so the best way to insulate yourself from believing and spreading false information online is to approach all content with some hesitancy — especially if it’s not from a trusted source.

“Being able to spot [AI] in your social media feed is going to be super hard unless you have a high degree of skepticism,” said Chris Callison-Burch, professor at the School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Pennsylvania.

PBS News Digital Producer Casey Kuhn spoke with Callison-Burch and other experts, like David Rand, a professor at MIT, on how to spot misinformation and keep AI-generated content from misleading you.

“I am the most concerned about ... the ability for AI to, at a massive scale, have one on one direct interactions and relationships with people,” Rand said, adding he’s concerned with people “not knowing it’s AI, earn their trust, build an actual relationship and then start telling them things that are not true.”

As Associated Press investigative journalist Garance Burke said, it’s unrealistic to avoid AI all the time in today’s world, especially when political campaigns globally and in America are all using it.

“Rather than fearing that AI is going to somehow dismantle our democratic system, I think it’s just important to see it as another tool that is now part of our information ecosystem,” Burke said.

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