Media falsification in the light of artificial intelligence and its impact on the Iraqi public's trust - a field study

Abstract

The last decade has witnessed an unprecedented technological revolution, characterized by the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and their diverse applications. While AI promises vast opportunities for advancement across various fields, it also presents significant challenges, particularly in the media sector. The production and dissemination of digital content has become faster and easier than ever before, opening the door to the phenomenon of "media manipulation." This phenomenon is one of the most prominent challenges facing the credibility of news content, especially in politically and security-wise fragile environments like Iraq. AI tools are now capable of producing highly sophisticated images, videos, fake news, misleading content, and deepfakes. What previously required considerable effort and resources to create can now be manufactured in massive quantities and with high quality, making it difficult for the average recipient to distinguish between fact and fiction. This development poses an unprecedented challenge to media institutions, regulatory bodies, and individuals alike.