Why Voters Need to be Aware of AI-Driven Misinformation

Civic Media Voter Resource: Three things Wisconsin voters can do as fake online content focuses on the upcoming election

It’s an unprecedented challenge and it’s threatening election integrity in 2024. Artificial intelligence is leading to AI-driven misinformation. Voters need to be aware while being challenged to distinguish between truth and deception in the digital age.  

Misinformation may not be new to American politics, but experts warn it is quickly evolving. AI-generated content is making it challenging to discern fact from fiction. The images, videos, and even audio clips can look and sound real as you scroll through on your phone.  

The News Literacy Project is one of several working to help voters navigate this complex landscape. The project offers a new misinformation dashboard which features a database of more than 600 examples of fake and misleading content. These examples range from fake celebrity endorsements to AI-generated images, like the recent viral post depicting former President Donald Trump with a group of Black women. It ended up being a fake photo.

“If the information aligns with what people may already believe, they’ll accept it as truth without questioning it,” Miles Taylor from The Future US points out. 

Here’s What You Can Do

1. Trim your social media feeds to include only credible sources
2. Reach out directly to your local election officials with concerns
3. Involve yourself in the election process by becoming a poll worker or watcher

And with less than two months until election day, the need for vigilance and informed decision-making has never been more important. 

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Call to Action

Experts emphasize the last thing they want is for people to get frustrated and disengage from the voting process altogether. 

Go to the News Literacy Project website to learn more about misleading content and how to tell the difference. 

Please feel free to share this information with anyone who might find it useful – and watch for more Civic Media voter resources to help you make sure your voice is heard this November. 

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