AI-Generated Videos increasingly Deceive Online, Oklahoma Experts Warn
OKLAHOMA CITY – As convincingly realistic AI-generated videos flood the internet, experts in Oklahoma are cautioning the public about the growing difficulty in distinguishing fact from fabrication. A recent viral video of bunnies appearing to jump on a trampoline, garnering millions of views and interactions, was revealed to be entirely AI-created, highlighting the deceptive potential of the technology.
The proliferation of these videos poses a important challenge to online trust, as even seemingly authentic footage can be easily manipulated.”Previously, video was almost a truth, but now we just can’t rely on it,” explained dr. John Hassell, a professor at the University of Oklahoma’s Polytechnic Institute. Experts say verifying facts now requires a more critical approach than simply believing what one sees.
Dr.John Rhee, Associate Professor at the University of Central Oklahoma, suggests scrutinizing videos for subtle inconsistencies. “If we zoom in and slow down the video and voice,we may distinguish subtle differences. There might be a slight mismatch between the lips and the voice, and than lighting – there might be some anomalies,” he said.However, both professors acknowledge that increasingly sophisticated AI is making these telltale signs harder to detect.
“You can’t reliably tell by looking,” Dr.Hassell admitted, emphasizing the need to shift focus from the content itself to its surrounding context. He advises verifying the source of the video – “Who posted it first? Is it being confirmed by other outlets? Does the time and place fit?” – and treating shocking or novel clips with skepticism, akin to an anonymous tip.
“Bottom line is: context beats content,” Dr. Hassell stated.
While the technology for creating realistic AI videos continues to advance – with new developments occurring daily – researchers are also working on tools to identify AI-generated content. Dr. Hassell noted that approximately 60% of people have yet to experiment with generative AI, encouraging them to familiarize themselves with its capabilities. “It’s not scary,but you really need to no what’s happening,” he said.