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Europol Report Warns of Rising AI-Generated Content and Disinformation Risks, (from page 20240428.)

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Summary

A Europol report warns that by 2026, up to 90% of online content could be synthetically generated using AI, raising concerns about the rise of disinformation. While synthetic media is often used to enhance gaming and services, its potential for creating misleading information is alarming. The report highlights how people typically trust their perceptions of auditory and visual media, unaware that these could be artificially generated or manipulated. This shift towards AI-generated content poses questions for creators and challenges our understanding of reality in the digital age. As changes unfold, maintaining a cautious approach towards online content is advised.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Rise of Synthetic Media A significant increase in AI-generated content expected by 2026. Transitioning from traditional media to predominantly synthetic media. Media consumption will be dominated by AI-generated content, altering perceptions of reality. Advancements in AI technology enabling the creation of realistic synthetic media. 5
Trust in Digital Content Erosion Erosion of trust in online content as synthetic media becomes pervasive. Shifting from trust in traditional media to skepticism towards digital content. Audiences will rely on verification tools and critical thinking to assess content authenticity. Increased awareness of misinformation and the capabilities of synthetic media. 4
Impact on Creative Professions AI-generated media raises questions about the future of creative jobs. From reliance on human creativity to potential replacement by AI-generated content. Creative professions may evolve or decline as AI takes over content creation. The efficiency and cost-effectiveness of AI in generating content. 4
Disinformation Concerns Growing concerns about disinformation driven by deepfake technology. Shift from traditional disinformation tactics to sophisticated AI-generated misinformation. Information ecosystems will require new frameworks to combat and verify authenticity. The ongoing battle against misinformation and the need for public awareness. 5
Need for Digital Literacy Increased emphasis on digital literacy as AI-generated content proliferates. Moving from passive consumption of media to active critical engagement. Education systems will prioritize digital literacy to prepare individuals for misinformation. The necessity for individuals to navigate a complex digital landscape effectively. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Disinformation Proliferation The rise of synthetic media could lead to widespread disinformation, making it hard to distinguish truth from falsehood. 5
Impact on Creators AI-generated content may threaten the livelihoods of artists, writers, and other content creators by saturating the market with synthetic alternatives. 4
Erosion of Trust As synthetic media becomes commonplace, public trust in auditory and visual recordings may diminish significantly. 5
Manipulation of Reality The ability to create entirely artificial events or alter perceptions of real events could have serious implications for society and democracy. 5
Digital Overload and Confusion With so much AI-generated content, individuals may struggle to navigate and discern trustworthy information in a digital landscape. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Increased Skepticism Towards Online Content As synthetic media becomes prevalent, individuals are likely to approach online content with greater skepticism and critical analysis. 5
Adaptation to AI-Generated Media Content creators and consumers will need to adapt to the realities of AI-generated media in their respective fields, impacting creativity and authenticity. 4
Heightened Awareness of Disinformation With the rise of deepfake technology and synthetic media, there will be a greater awareness and concern regarding disinformation tactics online. 5
Evolving Trust in Digital Perception People’s trust in auditory and visual recordings will evolve as they grapple with the reality of synthetic media altering perceptions of truth. 4
Cautious Engagement with Digital Content Individuals will engage more cautiously with digital content, balancing curiosity with the need for critical evaluation of authenticity. 4

Technologies

name description relevancy
Synthetic Media Media that is generated or manipulated using artificial intelligence, impacting content creation and authenticity online. 5
Deepfake Technology A form of synthetic media that uses AI to create realistic fake videos and audio, raising concerns about disinformation. 5
AI-generated Content Tools (e.g., Dall-E, GPT-3) AI systems that assist in generating text and images, affecting creative industries and content generation. 4

Issues

name description relevancy
Synthetic Media Proliferation A projected rise of 90% synthetic media online by 2026, impacting trust in digital content. 5
Disinformation Challenges Increased potential for disinformation through AI-generated content, especially deepfakes, complicating truth verification. 5
Impact on Creative Professions The rise of AI tools like Dall-E and GPT-3 raises concerns about the future roles of artists and writers. 4
Evolving Digital Trust Public perception of truth in media may shift as synthetic content becomes prevalent, requiring new frameworks for trust. 4
Caution in Digital Engagement The need for increased vigilance and skepticism towards online content in an era of advanced AI-generated media. 4