The AI era is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with more people engaging daily—but with it comes an unsettling consequence (one of many): AI-driven misinformation. So, you wake up, check your phone, and before your brain even has a chance to boot up properly, you’re hit with a flood of news. And hey, don’t get me wrong, some of it is real! Others? Not so much. From deepfakes to AI-generated news, it’s becoming harder to separate fact from fiction. And while the societal and political consequences are widely discussed, the personal impact is not a variable that can be ignored anymore. The constant exposure to AI-driven misinformation doesn’t just shape opinions it shapes emotions, fuelling anxiety, eroding trust, and even leading to mental exhaustion.

The psychological impact of AI misinformation

AI-generated misinformation contributes to stress, anxiety, and paranoia, particularly in times when distinguishing fact from fiction is increasingly difficult. A study published in Nature Human Behaviour (2019) found that repeated exposure to misinformation increases belief in false narratives, even among highly educated individuals. Another study (2022) on the exposure to conspiracy theories and misinformation about Covid-19, showed that misinformation correlates with heightened anxiety and depression, while decreased sense of control over one’s environment.  

When individuals encounter contradictory or misleading information, their cognitive load increases, leading to “epistemic anxiety”. This distressing response is associated with uncertainty and the inability to discern truth from falsehood, which can result in stress and decision fatigue. According to an infographic by Ipsos, many Americans have mixed opinions on AI’s potential to disrupt society.

Real-world cases of AI-driven misinformation

Case 1. The AI-generated fake Pentagon explosion 2023: In May 2023, an AI-generated image depicting a large explosion near the Pentagon went viral on X and other social media platforms. The image, which appeared highly realistic, was quickly picked up by various news accounts and even some media outlets. The spread of the image caused temporary panic in financial markets, with the S&P 500 dipping briefly before the false information was debunked.

Case 2: The AI-generated Biden “Draft” scandal 2024: In early 2024, an AI-generated audio clip surfaced online featuring U.S. President Joe Biden supposedly announcing a mandatory military draft for young Americans. The highly convincing voice mimicry was created using advanced AI voice synthesis tools like ElevenLabs. The viral clip sparked mass panic among young people, forcing an official White House statement debunking the misinformation.

This incident emphasises the potential of AI deepfake voices to create social unrest and political misinformation, making it a strong tool for spreading misinformation through computational propaganda.

Lies spread faster than the truth

False information spreads faster than truth, fuelling emotional instability and fostering division. Research by Vosoughi et al. (2018), found that fake news spreads six times faster than real news on social media. Fake news is often designed to be emotionally provocative, triggering strong psychological responses. This not only fuels confirmation bias but also increases hostility between social groups, fostering a climate of division and stress. When misinformation plays on our fears and biases, it doesn’t just mislead, it manipulates our emotions, contributing to societal polarisation and personal distress.

What is Computational propaganda? 

This term refers to the use of digital tools and AI, such as bots and fake accounts, to shape public opinion by spreading misleading or emotionally charged messages. Because these tactics can reach large audiences quickly, it becomes harder for people to distinguish genuine information from automated or deceptive content, leading to reduced trust in online sources.

How we can protect ourselves

AI-driven misinformation is here to stay, but we can arm ourselves with the right tools and mindset:

• Use AI fact-checking tools such as Google’s AI-driven authentication to verify sources. However, many people feel wary about relying on Google for fact-checking.
• Improve digital literacy by learning to recognise misinformation patterns.
• Report misleading content on platforms that allow user moderation.

So, here we stand in the labyrinth of AI illusions, never entirely sure what’s genuine anymore. Instead of offering clarity, at the moment, our shiny new technologies excel at fuelling collective confusion, ensuring there’s never a dull moment, and keeping us all entertained while we debate what truth even means!