BANGKOK, Thailand – Khon Kaen University has reported a 400 percent surge in fake news over the past two to three years, largely fueled by artificial intelligence technologies that can quickly produce highly convincing false content, according to university researchers.
Dr. Wanwisa Wannapipat, a lecturer at Khon Kaen University, explained that AI tools can generate realistic images in under a minute and produce fabricated videos capable of deceiving viewers. She cited two recent viral clips, one showing a woman scolding an official and another of a man carrying an elephant on a roadway, which were later confirmed to be AI-generated, highlighting how easily manipulated content spreads online.
Dr. Wanwisa said the rise in fake news is driven by technology becoming more accessible, rapid advances in AI, and social media’s ability to quickly disseminate information. Unlike traditional media, digital platforms allow false content to spread faster, and the increasing realism of AI makes it harder for people to recognize deception.
To spot AI-generated fake news, she recommended looking for signs such as expressionless eyes, unnatural hand or foot movements, irregular lip-syncing, and distorted or misspelled text. She warned that these indicators may become less reliable within three to five years as AI continues to improve.
She urged the public to follow a “Stop, Doubt, Verify” approach before sharing content online, pausing before forwarding, questioning its authenticity, and checking the information using available tools or trusted sources.
Dr. Wanwisa added that AI-driven misinformation is likely to be increasingly used for political and economic manipulation in Thailand and abroad. Verification technologies are also advancing, with online tools already available to detect AI-generated content. (NNT)
