Internet has become a place where accessing all kinds of information quickly is possible. The problem is that not always is that knowledge accurate, with the information being accessed often false. This practice has become common in recent times, where misinformation and deepfakes are rampant.
Internet, with its vast expanse and unlimited access, has become a battleground where information is not only shared but often leaked and distorted with malicious intent. These malicious actors, whether individuals or groups, use the network to insert false and biased information with the aim of controlling narratives, favoring specific interests, or even causing harm to specific individuals. Furthermore, misinformation on social media has intensified with the use of bots, posing a serious challenge to the veracity of public discourse. Research has highlighted that almost half of the internet traffic comes from these bots effortlessly spreading false information, affecting globally significant debates such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, among others.
In this regard, the proliferation of fabricated, manipulated, or deceptive content requires users to exercise greater diligence in filtering reliable information from unreliable sources. “Additionally, the emergence of deepfake technologies, which generate fake audio, images, and videos using artificial intelligence (AI), has intensified misinformation campaigns, further complicating users’ ability to identify the truth of what they consume online,” warns Josep Albors, Director of Research and Awareness at ESET Spain.
In this landscape, with the rise of AI, ESET, a leading cybersecurity company, warns that tools like ChatGPT, which use large language models trained on vast internet datasets, currently pose a threat. While they can provide useful information, they have also shown susceptibility to perpetuating falsehoods and validating misconceptions, especially when presented with misinformation-laden questions. This phenomenon, along with the tendency of these chatbots to “hallucinate” or generate entirely invented responses and references, underscores the need for critical analysis of the responses provided by these technologies.
### Misinformation in its various forms and formats
Distinguishing between the real and the fake has become an increasingly challenging task. “Misinformation in the digital age manifests itself through multiple channels, each with its own tactics for spreading false information,” comments Albors. ESET notes that articles and reports, depending on the source, can range from those presenting subjective truths favoring biased media to entirely fictional websites created to deceive the public. In contrast, the leading cybersecurity company warns that social media acts as a massive amplifier of this misinformation, allowing articles from dubious sources, comments from fabricated public figures, and groups dedicated to spreading falsehoods to spread rapidly. Similarly, forums and comment sections become promotional spaces for links to fake news, fueling extremism through polarizing discussions.
On the other hand, audiovisual content, including videos and images, is used to create deceptive narratives through fake news reports, biased documentaries, and propaganda memes, according to ESET. “One of the most sophisticated threats is the use of deepfakes, manipulated videos or audios using artificial intelligence to mimic real people, adding an additional level of difficulty to identify the forgeries. These technologies are not only used to misinform but can also be employed in criminal activities, highlighting the growing challenge of discerning between the real and the fake in the vast digital landscape,” adds Josep Albors.
### Between truth and deception: How to combat misinformation
To combat misinformation and avoid falling victim to fake news, ESET indicates that it is crucial to adopt a critical and reflective stance toward the information we consume online. Therefore, the company provides some key tips for navigating more safely, distinguishing between what is real and what is not:
– **Think critically**: Do not accept information at face value, especially if it comes from unverified sources. Question the content you encounter, such as statements from “experts” without proven credibility or stories that seem too extraordinary to be true.
– **Verify the information**: With the proliferation of hoaxes on social media and other platforms, always seek to corroborate the information with objective news sources and websites dedicated to fact-checking, investigating the validity of certain claims.
– **Consult multiple sources**: Form your own opinion based on information obtained from multiple legitimate sources. This will allow you to have a broader and more informed view of different topics.
– **Stay calm in discussions**: Avoid falling into the traps of users seeking to divert or polarize the conversation. Internet trolls thrive on the emotional reactions of their interlocutors.
– **Education to combat misinformation**: The European Union offers a presentation on disinformation tactics. This resource can be very useful for learning about misinformation methods and how to detect forgeries.
Ultimately, in the age of information overload and digital manipulation, it is essential for individuals to be vigilant, discerning consumers of online content to combat the spread of misinformation effectively. By applying critical thinking and fact-checking techniques, users can navigate the vast online landscape more safely and contribute to a more informed and truthful digital environment.