TikTok emerges as a hub for sharing misleading deepfake videos and images

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The spread of misinformation on social media platforms is escalating, especially since the onset of the pandemic. In addition to disseminating false information on various topics, these overly zealous content creators also exploit technologies like deepfake to put words into the mouths of many, aiming to fabricate a false sense of authenticity for the information they wish to share.According to author Yuval Noah Harari in his book 'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind,' rumors have always been a part of human development. Rumors spark imagination and prompt corresponding actions. In the past, rumors were spread through whispers and gossip, but as society progressed, they found their way into newspapers. Subsequently, there were emails like the infamous 'Nigerian prince' scams to deceive and perpetuate false information in the era of Yahoo Mail.

In recent years, the spread of fake news has become more streamlined, sometimes just a single Facebook post with sensational content is enough to attract many readers and believers. Recently, Twitter has followed suit and emerged as an unreliable source of information, despite previously being a platform known for credible content. This shift is attributed to the mismanagement by the new leadership.

Millions watch deepfake videos of Tom Cruise on TikTokWhile TikTok may have previously shared inaccurate information, it was often in the form of harmless tips or guides. However, since Twitter's sudden decline as a reliable source, more people have turned to TikTok for news updates. Consequently, political content has become more prevalent on the platform. Concerningly, the platform's robust video editing capabilities are being exploited by malicious actors to spread fake news through deepfake technology, as mentioned earlier.According to recent findings by NewsGuard, a technology specializing in online information verification, TikTok's search engine has returned nearly 20% of videos on its platform containing misinformation. They also issued a warning that without careful attention, young people could become engulfed in chains of false information on TikTok. The research team believes this is even worse than blindly following unreliable sources like asking Mr. Google or citing Wikipedia in essays.Receiving information in this era is incredibly easy; the real challenge lies in whether we possess enough knowledge and composure to discern the information we encounter online. The phrase 'Be a smart consumer' could easily be adapted to 'Be a savvy news reader' in today's context 😃

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main dangers of misinformation on social media platforms?

The main dangers include the rapid spread of false information that can mislead individuals and shape public opinion. Misinformation, especially during crises like the pandemic, can result in harmful actions and decisions based on incorrect data.

How has the rise of deepfake technology affected news credibility?

Deepfake technology significantly undermines news credibility by creating realistic but false videos, making it challenging for viewers to distinguish between real and fabricated content. This manipulation fuels misinformation and erodes trust in media.

Why is TikTok considered a source of misinformation nowadays?

TikTok is seen as a source of misinformation due to its high engagement and ease of sharing content, which often includes misleading information. Reports indicate that nearly 20% of videos on the platform may contain inaccuracies.

What should users do to verify the information they find online?

Users should cross-check information against credible sources, look for verified accounts, and rely on established news outlets. Developing critical thinking skills is crucial to discern reliable information from misleading content.