truth or bot? A LOOK INTO HOW AI is controlling the internet

by meghan fay

In a world where tech drives us all, artificial intelligence has completely changed how we share, interact, and perceive our world. AI is turning into a formative foundation of internet culture, and isn’t just a background feature anymore. AI can empower or take your power, build or take away tools, or even control your cyber life. As much as AI can enrich, the dangers of artificial intelligence can be detrimental. This webpage will take you through the important things to know about AI and how to use it for your benefit, and the benefit of others

AI in the real world

AI can make promises to anyone, anywhere. From deep fakes, to fake news, artificial intelligence has a grip on social media unlike any other.

AI has promising attributes, such as resources for mental health, that can assist people in need, and give an outlet to people who are struggling.

Apps such as Woebot and Wysa utilize AI powered bots to allow people to have 24/7 support. Woebot needs an access code to utilize, but Wysa is open to the public. While researching for this page, I downloaded Wysa to see what kind of benefits I could get from it. The Wysa app takes your input and offers examples of how to manage stress or anxiety, which is extremely important for college students. Harvard Business Review states, "Versions of machine learning (deep learning, in particular, which attempts to mimic the activity in the human brain in order to recognize patterns) can perform feats such as recognizing images and speech."

"While there is no surefire way of predicting the future of AI, it will certainly continue benefitting businesses and end-users in their everyday lives." - 10xds.com

Although the intention of these apps are good, it is still artificially created responses. This is nothing compared to a real human, because these robots are notorious for misinterpretation, and not understanding true human emotions. Although these bots are great for venting and getting quick help, it could lead to unhealthy reliances. According to Vice News, "AI overseeing some important function could be incentivized to come up with cheating strategies to get its reward in ways that harm humanity."

A 14 year old, named Sewell Setzer III died to suicide in February of this year. His mother strongly believes that his death was due to a program named Character.AI, which makes the user believe that they are talking to a fictional character, using artificial intelligence to create responses back in the tone of the character. This is the first of a potential mass amount of deaths caused by AI chatbots.

Here are some tips for navigating this AI driven world.

Check out your source. Next time you see “rage-bait” on your feed, keep the comments closed and reverse image search it. If there are no results from valid news sources, keep on scrolling. The attraction of AI is driven by people who want to spark conflict and conversation.

When you download a new app, sign up for the newest social media site, take 5 minutes to read into the fine print. Always be mindful of the personal data you are sharing, and adjust privacy settings if necessary. Apps can take your data and utilize AI to target you, and learn from you.

Seek human help. As simple as it seems, nothing can replicate human to human interaction. As stated earlier, AI mental health apps can be beneficial, but if you start to feel like your relationship with AI is being too complex, make sure you have the ability to step back and reevaluate your current situation.

MORE INSIGHT INTO REAL LIFE ISSUES:

Not only do chatbots spread misinformation, image generators can do the same, if not more harm. AI has an overwhelming impact on the current political climate, especially through misinformation. An example of a major issue that many people have experienced is the distribution of fake photos and videos on facebook. The use of these AI tools being utilized to weaponize politicians, groups of people, and more can falsely spread misinformation to millions of people daily. The images that are spread are typically wildly realistic, and when are shared to popular accounts, they spread like wildfire. These photos can influence one person, and start a riot within another person.

For example, during this most recent election, fake images of the candidates easily manipulated many people to spread misinformation to harm the reputations of these officials, incite anger, and promote false narratives about the candidates. According to ARS Technica, "We want to keep the focus on art made by people and not have the Art Portal flooded with computer-generated art." AI art has the potential to be something beautiful, but with the misuse of it, it is becoming a weapon instead of a tool.

Studies show that false information spreads faster than factual information. Once an image that causes online conflict, fact checkers even struggle with undoing the damage.

The infographic below gives a look as to how to prevent fake news from altering your mindset about politics.

now, WHATS THE BEST SOLUTION?

To maximize the benefits of artificial intelligence while minimizing the risks, there are steps that everyone should take to come up with a simple solution.

If app developers incorporated more clear disclaimers about the utilization of artificial intelligence, then it could benefit the user, helping to make interaction with AI more accurate. Watching your behavior while using AI is the biggest step. Keeping yourself informed about the limitations and expectations of these technologies can be in your best interest.

sources:

in class sources:

https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2022/09/flooded-with-ai-generated-images-some-art-communities-ban-them-completely/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bgQmesnte8

https://10xds.com/blog/benefits-of-artificial-intelligence-ai/

https://www.vice.com/en/article/google-deepmind-researcher-co-authors-paper-saying-ai-will-eliminate-humanity/

Professor Joline Blais, NMD 200

Task 8 Infographic

outside sources

https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/30/tech/teen-suicide-character-ai-lawsuit/index.html

https://hbr.org/2018/01/artificial-intelligence-for-the-real-world

https://mediarelations.gwu.edu/ai-political-campaigns-how-its-being-used-and-ethical-considerations-it-raises

Credits:

Created with images by • Pixel-Shot - Portrait of young woman on dark background. Concept of computer science • Tierney - Online education concept with person using a laptop computer • sdecoret - Close-up view of a modern GPU card with circuit • Andrey Popov - Heart Rate Check In Fitness App • Have a nice day - UX UI user interface design graphical futuristic icon with graphics designer planning sketch creating creative idea innovation teamwork planning strategy, using pen computer laptop modern technology • Pixel-Shot - Woman using mobile phone in evening, closeup • Melisa - Developer who types code at night. Close-up focused on hands • Tierney - Person using a laptop computer from above • LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - top view of orange notepads, earphones, pen and laptop on white surface • NINENII - Office table with notepad, computer and coffee cup. View from above. • Viacheslav Yakobchuk - Senior citizen talking on phone near orange neon sign