Opinion: The use of AI has been in conversation for years. But in recent months, the term deepfake has begun to be brought up more and more. So what are they, and why should people be concerned?
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Throughout recent human history, there have been few things that we can count on to tell us the truth. There are some exceptions, such as photographs and videos. The phrase “the camera doesn’t lie,” has been used for decades. The term “photographic evidence” seems synonymous with proof. We believe that a picture tells a thousand words –– a thousand honest words. Or does it?
Unfortunately, photographs and videos can no longer be viewed with the same level of trust. This is because of deepfakes. A deepfake is altered imagery or audio that appears to be someone else. The term deepfake has also become commonly used in conversation over the past few months. This is following the emergence of deepfakes on social media.
If you’ve been on social media in the last few months, you’ve probably seen those AI covers of popular songs. If you haven’t, they are covers of songs that are “sung” by different celebrities. It is seemingly normal until you realize that the “singing” is completely computer-generated.
These harmless covers are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to deepfakes. Despite their potential for creative and harmless usage, they are most often used in malicious ways. The most common way deepfakes are used is for nonconsensual pornography. It’s aspects like this that are so concerning.
By making software that can effectively steal another person’s likeness, the media landscape has been forever changed. No longer can we depend on what we see or what we hear. So, what do we do now? What does that mean for society as a whole?
It means a lot of things. First of all, it means the habit of believing everything you see online without further research needs to end. It also means that deepfake detectors may become a norm in people’s lives. It means people need to know the signs of a deepfake. Mainly, it means that we are entering an era where vigilance is key. Not doing so may tear apart communities and businesses.
Things like lips and audio not lining up, fake-looking skin or even unnatural eye movement can be signs of a deep fake. If anything seems a little glitchy or like no human being would behave like that, you’re probably right, and it’s probably fake. Even if you’re wrong, what’s the harm in checking a few different sources?
Deepfakes are not new. But they are better than ever and that is the most concerning aspect. Without proper caution from the public, these videos have catastrophic potential. These are videos that can ruin people’s lives and tear apart families. The plea to educate oneself on these AI’s potential begins to make a little more sense.
So please, the next time you see something that raises alarm bells in your mind, check the accuracy of the statement before spreading it to others.