Not long ago, spotting fake content online was relatively easy. The photos might have been blurry, the image poorly edited, or maybe it was just a suspicious email with spelling mistakes or questionable English that raised your red flags up. Now, things are a little different.

Artificial Intelligence has become a part of everyday life. It can help write emails, create images, answer questions, summarize information, and even generate videos. While many of these tools can be incredibly useful (as long as we aren’t too reliant on them…), they have also made it easier than ever to create content that looks and sounds real—even when it isn't.

In recent months, AI-generated political advertisements and deepfake videos have become increasingly common during election campaigns, raising concerns among election officials and technology experts about how quickly misinformation can spread online  

The challenge isn't just in politics. AI-generated content has also appeared in financial scams, fake celebrity endorsements, and misleading social media posts. Some scammers have even used AI-generated videos and voices to impersonate public figures in an effort to gain trust from potential victims. 

As AI continues to improve, it is becoming harder to tell the difference between what is real and what is generated. That's why digital literacy—the ability to evaluate information online—has never been more important.

So why does it matter?

Well, most of us spend a significant portion of our day online. We read news articles, browse social media, watch videos, and communicate with friends and family through digital platforms. When information moves quickly, it is easy to react before verifying.

Technology experts have also raised concerns about what is known as the "liar's dividend." 

The idea is simple: if people become accustomed to seeing fake videos and images online, they may start dismissing legitimate photos, videos, or recordings as fake whenever they disagree with them. 

In other words, AI doesn't just create new challenges for identifying false information. It can also create doubt around information that is actually true.

So, what can we do? Well, with just a little extra time, it’s likely you can catch more deepfakes than not.

Five Questions to Ask Before You Share Online (or just store the info away in your brain).

The good news is that you don't need to be a technology expert to protect yourself online. A little extra caution can go a loooong way.

Before sharing a post, article, video, or image, consider asking yourself:

1. Where did this come from?

Is the information coming from a trusted source with a reputation to protect, or is it from an unfamiliar account you've never seen before?

2. Can I find it somewhere else?

If a story is legitimate, multiple reputable sources are often reporting on it. Take a moment to see if other organizations are covering the same information.

3. Does something seem off?

AI-generated images and videos are improving, but they can still contain clues. Watch for unusual facial expressions, unnatural movements, distorted hands, strange backgrounds, or voices that don't quite sound right.

4. Is this trying to make me react immediately?

Content designed to provoke strong emotions—whether anger, fear, excitement, or outrage—often spreads the fastest. That's exactly why it's worth slowing down and taking a second look.

5. Have I verified it?

A quick search can often save a lot of confusion. Before sharing something with friends, family, or coworkers, make sure the information is accurate.

The internet has always evolved, and AI is simply the latest example of that change. It’s not something we can stop, but it’s certainly something we can hold accountable.

As tools like AI continue to become more common in our daily lives, some uses will save time, improve productivity, and help solve problems; others may be used to mislead, scam, or spread misinformation.

The best defense isn't fear. It's awareness!

By taking a few extra moments to verify what we see online, we can make better decisions and avoid scams. When the tech in our world is constantly changing, there’s one skill that remains incredibly important: critical thinking. 

Stay safe and informed!