Artificial Intelligence in the Era of Fake News: A Case Study in Malaysia

Cheok, Xun Tong (2024) Artificial Intelligence in the Era of Fake News: A Case Study in Malaysia. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

Text Cheok Xun Tong.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (7MB)

Abstract

In recent years, the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has introduced both opportunities and challenges across various industries, including media. This study explores the dual role of AI in generating and detecting fake news, with a specific focus on Malaysia. While AI technologies like Generative AI and deepfakes have empowered malicious actors to create highly realistic fake news, AI tools also have the potential to detect and counter such misinformation. The research aims to investigate the awareness among Malaysians regarding AI’s role in both generating and combating fake news. Using a quantitative research method, data was collected from 60-80 Malaysian respondents through an online survey. The findings reveal a high level of awareness among Malaysians regarding AI’s capacity to generate fake news, particularly with the use of deepfake technology. However, respondents face significant challenges in distinguishing between AI-generated content and genuine news, raising concerns about the impact of such misinformation on public trust and societal stability. In contrast, awareness of AI’s role in detecting fake news is comparatively lower, with limited practical engagement in AI-powered fact-checking tools. The study concludes that while Malaysians are increasingly aware of the risks posed by AI-generated fake news, there is a substantial gap in understanding and utilizing AI tools to counter misinformation. The results underscore the need for enhanced digital literacy, public education, and the integration of human oversight in AI systems to ensure effective detection and mitigation of fake news. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on AI’s impact on media and provides insights into the development of policies and educational strategies to combat the spread of AI-generated misinformation in Malaysia.