Al or a lie?

Campus journalist weighs in on AI's double-edged role in truth and deception

- Text by JESSTONY B. ANGEL Cartoon by ALNICO FERNANDEZ JR.

With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), now capable of generating realistic videos, we must ask ourselves: Are we embracing a revolutionary breakthrough or have we just unlocked a powerful new channel for the spread of fake news?

AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it's here, woven into our daily routines. From drafting essays to generating images and automating paperwork, Al has become a convenient tool for many Filipinos. It's undeniable: AI makes life easier. But as with any powerful tool, there are downsides, especially when it's used to mislead, manipulate, or misinform.

Take, for instance, the AI-generated video involving the impeachment of the Vice President. In the video, "AI students" were shown responding to the issue. But if the goal was to gather genuine youth opinion, why rely on computer-generated personas? Why not amplify real voices?

The truth is, every AI-generated output is based on prompts and commands from a human operator. It reflects the intent, bias, and perspective of its creator. And when such content is framed as public opinion, it risks becoming a sophisticated form of disinformation.