AI misinformation may unexpectedly boost trust in reliable news sources
A new study reveals that AI-generated misinformation may actually push readers toward reliable news sources. Researchers from leading universities and CNN found that exposure to fake content increased visits to the newspaper’s digital platform. The experiment highlights how trust in media could shift as artificial intelligence reshapes information consumption.
The study was led by Felipe Campante at CNN Digital, with contributions from Carnegie Mellon University, Johns Hopkins University, and the National University of Singapore. Researchers Vincent Schmid-Loertzer, Julia Panzer, Dr Bernhard Goodwin, and Monica Déchène designed a field experiment to test how AI-driven misinformation affects trust and news habits.
The research shows that AI misinformation creates both challenges and opportunities for journalism. While fabricated content can undermine trust, it also pushes readers toward verified sources. For news outlets, the key will be improving transparency and verification to stay ahead in an era of synthetic media.
