The Dual Role of Artificial Intelligence in Online Disinformation: A Critical Analysis

This chapter critically analyses the multifaceted role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the realm of online disinformation. Specifically, it delves into the potential of AI techniques to create highly realistic disinformation and efficiently disseminate it across a vast audience on social media platforms (SMPs). Moreover, the study explores the use of AI as a means to combat this deleterious phenomenon, while simultaneously examining the associated challenges and ethical quandaries. To address these complex issues, the chapter proposes a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at mitigating these concerns. The chapter concludes that ethical considerations must be an integral part of the development and implementation of AI tools, given the inadvertent negative consequences that might arise from their use. This includes addressing the inherent limitations that give rise to ethical concerns and counterproductive outcomes. The chapter contributes to the academic discourse by addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by AI-generated disinformation.