AI Generated Photos vs News Readers - The Battle of Perception

Once upon a time, not so long ago, people relied heavily on newsreaders for information. These human anchors were trusted and respected for their knowledge, experience, and credibility. However, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its ability to generate realistic images has changed the game, blurring the boundaries between real and fake. In this article, we will explore the impact of AI generated photos versus news readers on public perception and how it affects the credibility of news media.

The Rise of AI Generated Photos

Thanks to advances in AI technology, it is now possible to create highly realistic images of people who don't exist in real life. These images, known as "deepfakes," are generated through a process of machine learning that involves feeding millions of data points into an algorithm. The algorithm then creates an image by combining various features from different sources. The result is an image that can be so convincing that it's nearly impossible to distinguish from a real person.

While deepfakes have been used for nefarious purposes, such as creating fake news or blackmailing individuals, they also have legitimate uses, such as for film and video game production. However, their impact on news media is a cause for concern.

The Role of News Readers

In the traditional sense, news readers were seen as the public face of news media. Their job was to present news stories in a clear, concise, and unbiased manner. They were responsible for building trust between the news media and their audience. They were seen as the reliable source of information in an increasingly complex world.

In this role, news readers provided a human connection to the news, something that AI generated photos lack. The human element is what made news anchors trustworthy, and their facial expressions and tone of voice conveyed more than just the words they spoke. It was the way they presented the news that gave it depth and meaning.

The Battle of Perception

While AI generated photos have their uses, they are a threat to the credibility of news media. The problem is that these images can be used to manipulate public perception. By creating images of non-existent people and presenting them as real, it becomes difficult to discern what is genuine and what is fake.

One example of this is the use of deepfakes in politics. By creating fake videos of politicians saying things they never said, it becomes possible to influence public opinion. Such videos can be used to smear a politician's reputation or even influence election results. This poses a significant risk to democratic processes.

The threat of deepfakes is real, and there are already examples of their impact on public perception. In 2018, a deepfake video of former US President Barack Obama created by comedian Jordan Peele went viral. The video showed Obama ranting about his successor, President Trump, in a way that was completely fabricated. The video was a powerful demonstration of how deepfakes can be used to manipulate public opinion.

Similarly, in India, there have been several instances of deepfake videos being circulated on social media. These videos have included politicians, celebrities, and even journalists. They have been used to create false narratives and cause confusion among the public.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AI generated photos present a significant challenge for news media. While deepfakes have their uses, they also pose a threat to the credibility of news outlets. News readers may not be perfect, but they provide a human connection to the news that AI generated images lack. To maintain public trust, it is essential that news media continues to provide authoritative, unbiased, and accurate reporting.

So, what can be done to combat the threat of deepfakes? Firstly, news media outlets must increase public awareness of the potential for fake news. Secondly, media organizations must invest in technology that can detect deepfakes. Finally, media outlets should work with social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news. Only by working together can we combat the threat of deepfakes and preserve the integrity of news media.

References:

1. https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/01/25/deepfake-qa/
2. https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/deepfake-video-app-doublespeak-launched-in-india-6717388/
3. https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/artificial-intelligence-could-worsen-the-fake-news-problem/article31056940.ece

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#deepfakes #fakenews #newsmedia #AItechnology #mediaintegrity

Category:

Technology/News Media