This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Artificial intelligence is making it easier than ever to create convincing fake political content and harder to tell what's real. Now, a University of Missouri expert is helping voters navigate that changing information landscape ahead of this year's midterm elections.
Jared Schroeder, the Lee Hills Chair in Free-Press Studies and a professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, explains what voters should know about AI-generated content and how they can better recognize misinformation. We're seeing a rise in deepfakes—AI-generated videos, images or audio—that make it appear as though someone said or did something they never actually said or did. It's adding to a growing amount of AI-generated political content that's false but still persuasive to voters.
In addition to deepfakes, voters may see AI influencers, or realistic AI-generated personalities discussing political issues; AI-created campaign materials such as advertisements, graphics and written content produced with AI tools; and AI-generated content from outside the United States that's designed to spread false or misleading information about elections. AI is also shaping how people discover information. Many search engines now provide AI-written summaries, giving technology companies an influential role in what information is shared about candidates and issues.
For generations, people relied on photos and recordings as evidence of what was real. As AI technology continues to improve, however, the visual clues that once helped identify manipulated content, such as unusual lighting, odd shadows or distorted details, are rapidly disappearing. Today, people no longer need coding skills, expensive software or specialized training to create convincing fake content.
The tools that were once available only to experts are now accessible to almost anyone with an internet connection. People naturally trust what they see and hear. And individuals are more likely to believe AI-generated content when it reinforces their existing beliefs, biases and assumptions.
This influence isn't limited to trying to change someone's vote. Misleading content can shape how people view candidates and issues, discourage participation or reinforce existing beliefs. Seek verification from trusted news organizations and reputable fact-checking groups.
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