Technology is enabling truth and fiction to blur with alarming ease, making it difficult to know who or what to believe. Social apps, AI, and Internet scams are escalating the problem to a level where all of us will have difficulty figuring out what is really true. Moreover, the companies building this technology are ignoring the harm they are causing. The most recent example is Facebook’s abandonment of any fact checking on Facebook and Instagram. They are removing all constraints, much like running a community with no law enforcement.
We are experiencing an increasing flood of doctored images, fake news sites, false AI-generated news stories, and videos using computer generated stand ins as real celebrities. Initially it seemed fun to play with and critique, but It’s becoming impossible to tell what’s real and what’s fake.
One of the ways technology is used to distort reality is through manipulated images and deepfake videos. Photo editing software has long been a tool for deception, but the evolution of artificial intelligence has taken it to a new level. Deepfake technology can create realistic videos in which individuals appear to say or do things they never did. These videos are often indistinguishable from real footage, making them potent tools for disinformation.
During the recent 2024 election campaign, deepfakes were used to create misleading videos of candidates making controversial statements. The ease with which these videos spread online allows them to shape public opinion. Even when corrections are issued, the damage is irreversible—many people see the falsehood but not the correction.
The rapid spread of misinformation is exacerbated by social media platforms that prioritize engagement over accuracy. Algorithms designed to maximize clicks and shares amplify sensational content, regardless of its truthfulness. A compelling but false story spreads far more rapidly than a dry, fact-based rebuttal. Companies such as Facebook and X no longer even try to correct the misinformation or do simple fact-checking, because they profit from it. False narratives that align with pre-existing biases tend to gain traction, as users are more likely to believe and share content that confirms their views rather than challenges them.
The consequences are profound. Misinformation has played a significant role in influencing public perception on issues ranging from elections to public health. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, false claims about vaccines spread widely, leading to vaccine hesitancy and, ultimately, preventable deaths. The ability to shape public discourse through false information has never been more powerful, nor more dangerous.
Artificial intelligence is now being used to generate entirely fabricated narratives. AI-powered text generators can produce convincingly written news articles, blog posts, and social media content that appear legitimate. When these are disseminated through seemingly credible channels, they can mislead even the most discerning readers. It’s possible now to use AI to create dozens of fake stories, post them on a website using fake news sources, and be as effective as a real newspaper in shaping opinion. All with a push of a button or a few keystrokes.
Bots and automated accounts further exacerbate the problem by amplifying these false stories. They create the illusion of widespread support for a particular idea, making it seem more credible and popular than it actually is.
From deepfakes to AI-generated propaganda, the tools of deception are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it imperative that we develop stronger defenses against them. The fight against misinformation is not just about preserving truth—it is about protecting democracy, public safety, and societal trust.
I’m not optimistic that we will be able to stop this, because nothing is being done now. Certainly not by those with the abilities to do something; the social network companies, news sources and politicians that profit from misinformation. And think about this: when truth is swamped with so many lies, many will not know what to believe, and our society will profoundly change into something we’ve never before encountered.
On a more positive note, my friend Neil Young is going on a concert tour beginning in June. One of his new songs already released is aptly named “big change coming.”
Here’s his itinerary
Love Earth World Tour Dates:
Jun 18 Rättvik, Sweden Dalhalla
Jun 20 Bergen, Norway Bergenhus Fortress
Jun 22 Copenhagen, Denmark Tiøren
Jun 26 Dublin, Ireland Malahide Castle
Jun 30 Brussels, Belgium Brussels Palace Open Air, Palace Square
Jul 01 Groningen, Netherlands Drafbaan Stadspark
Jul 03 Berlin, Germany Waldbühne
Jul 04 Mönchengladbach Germany Sparkassenpark
Jul 08 Stuttgart, Germany Cannstatter Wasen
Aug 8 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
Aug 10 Richmond, VA Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront
Aug 13 Detroit, MI Pine Knob Music Theatre
Aug 15 Cleveland, OH Blossom Music Center
Aug 17 Toronto, ON Budweiser Stage
Aug 21 Gilford, NH BankNH Pavilion
Aug 23 New York, NY Jones Beach
Aug 24 Bethel, NY Bethel Woods
Aug 27 Chicago, IL Northerly Island
Sep 01 Denver, CO Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
Sep 05 George, WA The Gorge
Sep 06 Vancouver, BC Deer Lake Park
Sep 10 Bend, OR Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Sep 12 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheater
Sep 15 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl
