Journalist and author Melih Bayram Dede stated that the level reached by artificial intelligence technologies, particularly in text and visual production, creates new risks in terms of information pollution and disinformation. According to Dede, while AI-supported content offers significant opportunities when used for beneficial purposes, it has the potential to lead to serious social consequences in case of malicious use.
Expressing that artificial intelligence has recently begun to be used by large audiences, especially with text-based tools like ChatGPT and visual production software like Midjourney, Dede pointed out that these tools can produce outputs that are “almost indistinguishable from the real thing.”
Midjourney examples created global debate
Melih Bayram Dede recalled that one of the most striking examples of the risks created by AI-supported visual production was the images featuring President Donald Trump produced with Midjourney. In these images, created by Eliot Higgins, founder of the open-source investigative journalism site Bellingcat, the impression was created that Trump was detained by the police and was in prison.
Recalling that Higgins’ use of Midjourney was banned after the images in question spread rapidly on social media and caused public indignation, Dede said that this incident clearly demonstrated how effective AI-supported images can be in perception management.
Putin and Pope Francis examples increased confusion
According to Melih Bayram Dede, the circulation of AI-generated photos on social media showing Russian President Vladimir Putin in prison or depicting the spiritual leader of the Catholic world, Pope Francis, walking in a puffer jacket made it even more difficult to distinguish reality.
He emphasized that the confusion experienced regarding whether such images are real has made the verification of information a much more critical issue in the age of artificial intelligence.
The boundary between reality and fiction is blurring
Pointing out that today AI software can produce photos extremely close to reality using only written descriptions, Dede stated that this situation shows societies have entered a new era where “the boundary between reality and fiction is becoming increasingly blurred.”
Recalling that the concepts of media literacy and then social media literacy had previously come to the fore, Melih Bayram Dede said that with AI applications becoming an indispensable part of life, the concept of “artificial intelligence literacy” must now be handled as a mandatory skill.
Skepticism and verification skills stand out
According to Dede, individuals must develop a more skeptical and questioning approach toward every text and image they encounter. Emphasizing that being merely skeptical is not enough, Dede stated that recognizing tools that can detect AI-generated content and acquiring the skill to use these tools is of great importance.
Malicious use could lead to social indignation
Melih Bayram Dede warned that the use of artificial intelligence for malicious purposes could lead to much more dire consequences. Stating that a provocation orchestrated with fake content prepared with AI support could create indignation in society in a short time, Dede pointed out that by the time the truth emerges, malicious actors may have already reached their goals.
Responsibility lies with technology companies and legislative bodies
Stating that the primary responsibility against these risks falls on technology companies, Dede said that integrating capabilities to detect AI-supported content into search engines and web browsers has now become a necessity. He emphasized that such measures are critical for the protection of both individuals and public peace.
In the final stage, Melih Bayram Dede stated that legal regulations must be updated in accordance with today’s conditions and that it is essential to create a comprehensive legal framework based on the protection of individual rights and public order.
Known for works on artificial intelligence and digital culture
Known for his work on the internet, digital media, and the social effects of technology, Melih Bayram Dede has two books: “İnternet,” published by İnsan Yayınları in March 2004, and “Teknoloji ve Hayat,” published by Liz Yayınları in February 2023.
