As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes a norm in daily life, it has also opened the door for the creation and spread of misinformation, especially among the vulnerable demographic spending most of their time online.
A study published by Common Sense Media on Wednesday asked 1,000 teenagers aged 13 to 18 about their experience with AI-generated media content, as reported by CNN.
About 41% of teens reported encountering real yet misleading content, and 22% revealed that they had shared information that later turned out to be fake.
This conclusion came after it was found that seven out of ten teenagers had tried generative AI, with the number increasing as the technology becomes more accessible every day.
When the research asked about their opinions on top tech companies, the majority of teenagers expressed distrust in major tech firms like Google, Meta, TikTok, and Apple.
The study noted, “The ease and speed at which generative AI allows everyday users to spread unreliable claims and inauthentic media may exacerbate teens’ existing low levels of trust in institutions like the media and government.”
Teenagers’ distrust in tech giants mirrors the growing dissatisfaction that many in the US feel toward the industry.
Elon Musk, after acquiring X in 2022, has made significant changes to the platform, such as allowing hate speech and misinformation, and letting conspiracy theorists roam freely.
Additionally, Meta removed fact-checkers, leading to an increase in harmful content appearing across Facebook and Instagram.
The study called for prioritizing transparency and the development of technology that could ensure the credibility of content posted on social media platforms across the internet.
