The other morning, a family friend forwarded me a breaking news video about a well-known politician making a shocking announcement. But something felt… off. A quick check confirmed it: the entire video had been AI-generated—every word, every expression, completely fake.

Scenarios like this are becoming more common. As artificial intelligence becomes more powerful and accessible, so does its ability to create convincing fake news. And that's having a serious effect on how much we trust what we see, hear, and read.

Let's take a closer look at how AI-generated fake news impacts public trust—and what steps we can take to stay informed in this new information landscape.

How AI is changing the fake news game

Fake news isn't new. But AI takes it to a whole new level.

Hyper-realistic content: Advanced AI tools can now generate fake videos (deepfakes), synthetic voices, and convincing text at lightning speed.

Mass production: AI can create thousands of false articles or social media posts in minutes—flooding platforms with misleading content.

Harder to detect: AI-generated content is increasingly sophisticated. Without clear markers, even experienced journalists and fact-checkers can struggle to tell what's real.

Studies found that false information spreads six times faster than true stories on social media. When AI is added to the mix, this spread becomes even more rapid and harder to control.

The growing impact on public trust

Public trust in media and institutions has been fragile in many parts of the world. The rise of AI-generated fake news adds another layer of uncertainty.

1. Eroding confidence in real news: When people see a fake story exposed, it can make them question whether other news is trustworthy—even if it's verified.

2. Fueling polarization: AI-generated fake news often plays to emotions and divisive topics, deepening social divides.

3. Undermining democratic processes: Experts warn that AI-powered fake news can be used to sway public opinion during elections or policy debates.

4. Creating "truth fatigue": Faced with a flood of conflicting information, some people simply tune out—choosing to trust nothing at all.

According to Dr. Claire Wardle, co-founder of First Draft (a leading nonprofit combating misinformation), “AI-generated fake news is accelerating the collapse of public trust. If people can't trust what they see, democratic discourse is at serious risk.”

How can we spot AI-generated fake news?

While it's becoming harder, there are still ways to stay vigilant:

Check the source: Is it a reputable news outlet? Be cautious with viral posts from unknown accounts.

Look for inconsistencies: AI-generated videos and images often contain small visual glitches—odd lighting, mismatched reflections, or unnatural movements.

Verify with trusted fact-checkers: some sites actively debunk fake stories and AI-generated content.

Reverse image search: Use approved tools to check if a photo or video has appeared elsewhere—or been manipulated.

Pause before sharing: If a piece of news triggers a strong emotional reaction, take a moment to verify it first.

Fortunately, efforts to combat AI-generated fake news are growing:

• Tech companies are developing AI watermarking techniques to label synthetic content.

• Major social media platforms are enhancing their content moderation tools and promoting verified information sources.

• Governments and NGOs are investing in media literacy programs, helping the public recognize and resist misinformation.

How can families protect themselves?

In addition to using the tips above, families can take a few simple steps to build resilience:

• Talk openly about fake news: Discuss how AI can generate false content. Encourage critical thinking.

• Model responsible sharing: Teach children and teens to verify news before reposting it.

• Follow reliable sources: Create a habit of consuming news from outlets with strong editorial standards.

Where do we go from here?

AI is a powerful tool—it can do tremendous good, but also real harm when misused. The key is not to fear technology, but to understand it and stay informed.

Lykkers—have you come across AI-generated fake news recently? How did you handle it? I'd love to hear your thoughts. The more we share our experiences and sharpen our media skills, the stronger we become as informed citizens in this AI-driven world.

The challenge is real, but so is our ability to rise to it—one well-verified fact at a time.