I’m thrilled to sit down with Milena Traikovich, a seasoned expert in demand generation who has helped countless businesses craft impactful campaigns to attract and nurture high-quality leads. With her deep expertise in analytics and performance optimization, Milena is uniquely positioned to shed light on the intersection of AI-driven content and digital trust. Today, we’ll dive into the rapid rise of AI-generated material online, the risks it poses to information integrity, strategies for spotting fakes, and how we can build smarter digital habits in this evolving landscape.
How do you see the prediction that 90% of online content could be AI-generated by 2025 impacting our digital world?
That prediction is staggering but not entirely surprising given the pace of AI development. If 90% of content—articles, videos, images—is created by AI in just a few years, it fundamentally changes how we interact with information online. It could erode trust in what we see and read, as distinguishing between human and machine-generated content becomes a real challenge. On the flip side, it also means businesses and creators can scale content production like never before. The key will be balancing innovation with accountability to ensure authenticity isn’t lost.
What are some of the major risks tied to this surge in AI-generated content, particularly around misinformation?
The biggest risks are tied to misinformation and deliberate deception. AI can produce incredibly convincing content—think fake news articles, deepfake videos, or fabricated testimonials—that spread false narratives at lightning speed. Scammers are already exploiting this to craft fake investment pitches or job offers that look legitimate, tricking even savvy individuals. This undermines information integrity and makes it harder for societies to maintain a shared understanding of truth, which is critical for decision-making and trust.
Can you share a specific example of how AI is being misused to deceive people in the digital space?
Absolutely. One common tactic is the creation of fake websites for fraudulent products or services. Scammers use AI to generate professional-looking pages complete with glowing reviews and official-sounding documents. For instance, someone might come across a site offering a too-good-to-be-true investment opportunity, backed by AI-generated testimonials with stock photos altered to look unique. These sites are designed to steal personal information or money, and they’re becoming harder to spot without careful scrutiny.
What does it mean to be ‘AI literate,’ and why is it so crucial in today’s online environment?
Being AI literate means understanding how AI works, recognizing its capabilities, and applying critical thinking to evaluate content it might produce. It’s about knowing that a video or article could be fabricated and having the skills to question its authenticity. This is crucial now because AI content is everywhere—over half of online text might already be AI-influenced. Without this literacy, people are more vulnerable to scams, false information, and manipulation, especially as AI tools become more sophisticated.
What are some practical steps individuals can take to start building their AI literacy?
Start by staying curious and educating yourself about AI’s potential and pitfalls. Read up on how AI creates content like deepfakes or automated articles, and follow trusted sources for updates on emerging threats. Experiment with AI tools yourself to understand their output patterns. Also, practice skepticism—question content that seems overly polished or sensational. Joining online communities or webinars focused on digital literacy can also provide valuable insights and keep you in the loop on new developments.
How can people use critical thinking to identify AI-generated content in their daily browsing?
Critical thinking is your first line of defense. If something triggers a strong emotional response—whether it’s outrage or excitement—pause and dig deeper. Look for inconsistencies, like unnatural phrasing in text or overly perfect visuals in images and videos. Check the source: Is it a reputable outlet, or does the website look hastily put together? Cross-verify claims with multiple trusted platforms before believing or sharing. Over time, you’ll develop a gut sense for content that feels ‘off’ and might be machine-made.
What tools or strategies do you recommend for spotting fake or AI-generated material online?
There are some great browser extensions and software out there that can help flag suspicious content, like tools for detecting phishing attempts or untrustworthy websites. For images and videos, look for subtle flaws—AI often struggles with fine details like hands or background elements, even if the overall result looks polished. Also, use reverse image search to see if visuals appear elsewhere in different contexts. Staying updated on security software and enabling two-factor authentication on your accounts adds another layer of protection.
Why is it so important to take a moment before sharing content on social media or other platforms?
Sharing content without thinking can amplify misinformation faster than you’d imagine. Once something goes viral, it’s hard to retract, even if it’s later proven false. That split-second decision to hit ‘share’ can contribute to spreading scams or divisive narratives, especially with AI content that’s designed to look credible. Pausing to verify gives you a chance to assess whether the information is trustworthy, protecting both yourself and your network from potential harm.
How does staying informed through reliable news sources help in navigating this AI-driven content landscape?
Keeping up with reliable news sources builds a solid foundation of knowledge about what’s happening in the world. When you’re well-informed, it’s easier to spot inconsistencies or outright fabrications in content you come across. Trusted outlets often have rigorous fact-checking processes, so they act as a benchmark for evaluating other information. This habit helps you avoid falling for sensationalized or fake stories that AI might churn out to grab attention.
What’s your forecast for the future of AI-generated content and its impact on digital trust?
I think AI-generated content will only grow in volume and sophistication, reshaping how we define authenticity online. We’re likely to see a tug-of-war between advancing AI tools and the development of detection technologies, with trust becoming a premium commodity. My forecast is that digital trust will hinge on collective efforts—tech solutions, education, and policy—to create transparent systems for content verification. If we can foster widespread AI literacy and accountability, we might just turn this challenge into an opportunity for a more discerning digital society.
