Navigating the AI Misinformation Maze: How Does AI-Generated Fake News Impact People?

Nowadays, scrolling through social media is like drinking your morning coffee.

We scroll, swipe, and like without giving much thought to the content we consume, but this casual scrolling can lead us into a web of misinformation. With AI now playing a significant role in generating fake news, distinguishing fact from fiction is a much more formidable challenge.

To see how AI-generated fake news reshapes our views and what this means for the future, we surveyed more than 1,000 U.S. consumers aged 18-43. We asked them about the impact of AI-generated fake news on them and how concerned they were about political implications.

Our survey revealed these key takeaways regarding AI-generated fake news and its impact on respondents:

• More than half of the surveyed adults (58%) have been misled by AI-generated fake news.
• 60% of women surveyed have been tricked by fake news, a tad more than the 56% of men surveyed. However, almost 10% more men report getting into fights over fake news.
• Nearly 40% of survey respondents say fake news has led to arguments or conflicts.
• More than half of Gen Z and millennials surveyed have fallen for fake news, with Gen Z being more than 10% ahead.
• 70% of survey respondents are worried about how fake news might affect the upcoming election.
• About 17% of survey respondents feel their political views have shifted because of fake stories.
• Survey respondents in the Western U.S. are most on edge, with 79% feeling anxious about fake news in politics.
• More people (42%) are worried about how fake news affects others than how it affects themselves (36%).

A staggering 58% of people we surveyed have been fooled by AI-generated fake news, or at least, know they’ve been fooled. Considering how advanced AI is these days, that’s not too surprising.

AI algorithms can generate realistic images, videos, and articles that are incredibly hard to distinguish from genuine content. A misleading article or a deepfake video can be remarkably convincing, even more so if shared by someone we trust.

This is where the power of AI-generated fake news lies.

People are wired to trust visual information. Our brains process images much faster than text, and we’re more likely to remember and believe what we see. This makes us particularly vulnerable to fake visual content.

AI-generated fake news also often taps into our emotions. Emotional content — shocking, heartwarming, or enraging — tends to go viral more quickly. This virality amplifies the reach of fake news, making it more likely to appear on your feed multiple times and from different sources.

Websites such as The Onion thrive on this very premise, crafting absurdly funny stories plausible enough to trick us momentarily. While satire is meant to entertain, AI-generated fake news mostly has more sinister motives.

Simple actions such as checking the source and looking for corroborating evidence can go a long way. Unfortunately, according to our study, Gen Z has yet to learn this.

Gen Z Respondents Are More Likely to Get Fooled by AI-Generated Fake News Than Millennials

Of the two surveyed age groups, Gen Z stands out. A whopping 69% of them have been duped by AI-generated fake news, compared to 56% of millennials.

Why is Gen Z more susceptible?

They’re the first generation to grow up with the internet at their fingertips, making them accustomed to easily navigating social media and other online platforms.

This constant connectivity means they are bombarded with information 24/7, much of which comes in quick, bite-sized pieces that are easy to digest but not always easy to verify. The sheer volume and speed of content can overwhelm even the most tech-savvy people, making it harder to spot fake news.

Gen Z’s heightened social media use plays a significant role, too — 35% use social media for more than two hours daily.

Social media platforms usually keep users engaged by prioritizing content that elicits strong responses. This is where AI-generated fake news finds fertile ground. When a piece of content triggers an emotional reaction, our critical thinking tends to take a back seat.

Gen Z, who frequently consume this emotionally charged content, is likelier to fall for these manipulative tactics. Because they’re more frequently online and familiar with these tactics, they may be more attuned to recognizing they’ve been misled.

Women Surveyed Are Fooled By AI-Generated Fake News More Than Men

Women report being fooled by AI-generated fake news more often than men. This slight difference makes us question how men and women consume and interpret online content.

People often gravitate toward posts that hit close to home — personal stories, lifestyle tips, and human interest pieces. These types of stories can tug at the heartstrings.

A touching, fabricated story about a humanitarian crisis can spread quickly, regardless of its veracity. So, it’s no surprise that both genders often find themselves fooled by such stories.

Women also tend to be more empathetic, leading to a deeper connection with stories. This empathy is a beautiful thing. But in a digital information context, it’s a double-edged sword.

Algorithms on social media platforms only add to this. They’re designed to show users content similar to what they’ve previously engaged with. This creates a feedback loop, reinforcing exposure to misinformation and making it harder to discern the real from the fake.

The trouble with fake news goes beyond just a few bogus stories on our feeds. It starts to seep into our real lives, messing with our friendships and even family dinners.

So, what’s the real-world fallout from a seemingly digital problem?

Here’s what the survey respondents had to say.

Almost 40% of Respondents Have Had an Argument over Fake News

More than just being fooled, there’s an aftermath to falling for fake news.

Nearly 40% of respondents admitted to having arguments or conflicts due to fake news. These arguments can strain relationships and divide people who otherwise share common values.

Misinformation affects our deeply held beliefs and emotions. When we come across something that aligns with our values or how we see ourselves, we cling to it, ready to defend it. This is called confirmation bias, where we latch onto information that backs up what we already think.

Men Surveyed Get Into More Arguments Because of Fake AI News

Digging deeper, men are more likely to get into scraps over fake news — 44% of men, compared to 35% of women.

Men often lean toward being more competitive and confrontational. This behavior is something many guys grow up with. It’s likely why fake news also tends to influence their decision-making.

They are also more likely to resolve conflict quicker, leading to less long-term fallout.

So, while women argue less over fake AI-generated news, they might end up with a shorter list of friends. Given that they report higher instances of it, this may lead to more anxiety and stress about current events. Dealing with the fallout from fewer yet more impactful disputes can take a toll.

More Than a Third (35%) of Respondents Say Their Mental Health Has Been Affected By Fake News

Beyond just sparking arguments, fake news can mess with your head. Thirty-five percent of the survey respondents say they’ve felt real anxiety or stress because of misinformation created by AI.

The feeling of not knowing who or what to trust can do a number on you. This kind of stress can crank up your anxiety levels and throw your mental peace out the window.

Roughly One-Third of Respondents Made Poor Decisions and Experienced Financial Loss Due to AI-Generated Fake News

The consequences of fake news extend to decision-making and our wallets, too. About 30% of respondents made poor decisions based on false information, and 22% lost money due to misleading content.

Whether it’s investing in a scam or making life choices based on false stories, the impact of fake news is tangible.

As the 2024 election looms, 70% of respondents expressed concern about the role of AI-generated fake news in shaping political opinions and outcomes.

The concern cuts across all genders and age groups, showing that just about everyone is on edge about misinformation muddling the political scene.

Who can blame them? Elections are high-stakes events, and the idea that voters might be swayed by false information adds an extra layer of stress. People are worried about the integrity of the democratic process.

The fear that our collective decisions could be manipulated is potent, driving many to question the information they consume.

Almost 20% of Respondents Report AI-Generated Fake News Has Influenced Political Beliefs or Opinions

Nearly 20% say fake news has nudged their political beliefs one way or another. However, many may not even be aware they’ve been swayed to one side based on fake news. That significant shift can have profound implications, from the way people vote to how they engage in political activism.

This phenomenon, where misinformation shifts public opinion, is driven mainly by the illusory truth effect. According to cultivation theory, the more often we hear a piece of information, the more likely we are to believe it’s true. This effect is exponentially powerful in social media, where fake news can go viral instantly.

Each share, retweet, or mention lends unearned credibility to fake stories, subtly altering public perception.

Think of it like the old telephone game, where a message gets distorted as it’s passed along. Today, that distortion can happen in seconds and reach millions of people. Combine that with the echo chamber effect, and you have a recipe for disaster.

All this points to a troubling reality: the integrity of our information ecosystem is more important and more in danger than ever.

Women Surveyed Are More Concerned Than Men About Being Influenced By AI-Generated Fake News

Regarding concern about being influenced by fake news, women are slightly more worried than men.

Women’s fates are often in the hands of politics. Issues such as healthcare, reproductive rights, equal pay, and childcare are heavily influenced by political decisions—often disproportionately affecting women. It’s only natural that they’re concerned about the legitimacy of the information they’re getting.

That does not, however, negate the concern that men feel. A third of them are worried about their decisions as well. People’s overall concern — for both themselves and others — seems high across the board.

The Western U.S. Is the Most Concerned About Fake News in Politics

Regional differences matter, too. The Western U.S. shows the highest concern about AI-generated fake news impacting politics.

The Western U.S. is the heartland of America’s tech industry, and many cities house massive tech hubs, so this is not all that surprising.

People here are probably more plugged into the latest developments in AI. Consequently, they might be more aware of how the technology can be misused.

This region is often seen as a pioneer of progressive values and social justice, which could make the locals particularly sensitive to the integrity and impact of the information circulating in their community.

They’re likely more tuned in to the consequences of misinformation on democracy and societal values, hence their heightened vigilance.

This awareness is even more pronounced in cities such as Seattle, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.

As we shift our gaze across the country, the numbers slightly taper off.

Even in places with less tech influence, the concern is still significant. No matter where you go, the fear of fake news messing with politics is a common thread.

More People Surveyed are Concerned for Others Than Themselves, Namely the Younger Generation

It’s interesting to see how concern about fake news isn’t just personal. Many people are more worried about how it affects others, especially the younger generation. In fact, 42% of people are ringing the alarm for someone else’s sake rather than their own.

Now, why is that?

Just because young people can navigate apps like pros doesn’t mean they automatically question the credibility of what pops up on their screen. This may lead people to believe the younger generation is more likely to have their opinions swayed.

However, concern doesn’t falter for the older generation either, shedding light on a bigger gap in digital literacy that spans generations.

Gen Z Respondents are Strong Believers Their Chosen Candidate Will Benefit From AI-Generated Fake News

Gen Z’s views on the impact of AI-generated fake news on politics are eye-opening — 19% of them think this kind of misinformation could play to their candidate’s advantage in elections. That’s more than double the number of millennials (9%) who think the same.

Gen Z is used to the barrage of information and knows how it’s crafted and spread.

As a result, they might not view fake news with the same level of concern as older generations. Instead, they see it as just another piece of the puzzle in modern campaigning — one that can be maneuvered just as strategically as any honest ad or genuine endorsement.

Something that is mirrored in their awareness of falling for AI-generated fake news. Rather than being victims, this makes them active participants in the ecosystem, who understand both the player and the game.

This perspective reflects a more cynical take on the mechanics of information in politics. They recognize that misinformation is often weaponized in the rough-and-tumble world of political battles — whether we like it or not.

The future of AI-generated fake news is both intriguing and daunting. As AI tech improves, it’s also getting good at churning out pretty convincing fake stories.

“Mental health, financial stability, political views — these are all affected by AI-generated fake news. We may think we’re better at identifying it than others, but the stats often show otherwise,” said HostingAdvice technology expert Joe Warnimont.

“Without significant oversight, fact-checking apps, and digital literacy education, we’re bound to live in a world where AI-generated fake news runs rampant. And every generation gets more entrenched in the pile of digital lies, making it harder and harder to dig out.”

What does that mean for us?

Focus on education. We must get serious about teaching our children (and honestly, everyone) how to sift through online info and spot the fakes.

Schools and colleges are starting to do their part with digital literacy programs, but this kind of learning can’t just stay in the classroom. Spreading the word far and wide will ensure everyone can spot a fake from a mile away.

Tech companies have their hands full, too. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram need more sophisticated algorithms that detect and flag fake news.

People love a good conspiracy theory. The more outlandish, the better. Even as a source of entertainment, it shows our tendency to seek patterns and stories, even when they’re false.

So, teaching people about these tactics, combined with the effort to take down fake articles, could make a real difference in the future.

The data presented in this article is based on a survey of 1,008 U.S. consumers aged 18-43. The survey explored their experiences with AI-generated fake news on social media, its impacts, and their concerns about its influence.

Additional insights were drawn from existing psychological research and expert opinions on digital literacy and misinformation.