The text discusses the rise of a phenomenon referred to as “deep doubt,” a growing skepticism regarding the authenticity of digital media spurred by the prevalence of photorealistic AI-generated images. This era of skepticism not only questions the validity of new media but also fuels claims that genuine events may have been fabricated using AI, leading to misinformation, particularly by notable public figures. Examples include conspiracy theories involving President Biden and accusations from former President Trump regarding the use of AI at events. The term “liar’s dividend” is introduced to describe how such deceptive technologies can undermine authentic evidence. Overall, this highlights a significant shift in public perception towards media reliability amid advancing AI capabilities.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergence of “deep doubt” | Rising skepticism of digital media | Public will question more media sources | Proliferation of generative AI tools |
| AI-generated images create distrust | From trust to skepticism | Increased reliance on traditional verification | Preservation of truth and authenticity |
| Media artifacts face new scrutiny | Enhanced scrutiny of real content | Media literacy will become essential | Evolving landscape of information warfare |
| “Liar’s dividend” becomes real threat | From hypothetical to reality | Legal frameworks may adapt to AI misuse | Safeguarding against misinformation |
| Conspiracy theories gain traction | Increase in disinformation | Critical thinking skills may be prioritized | Desire for control over narratives |
| Political claims fueled by AI skepticism | From credible to questionable | Political communication strategies will shift | Influence of social media on narratives |