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The Seven Roles of Artificial Intelligence: Potential and Pitfalls in Combating Misinformation

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  • Nygren, Thomas
  • Spearing, Emily
  • Fay, Nicolas
  • Vega, Davide
  • Hardwick, Isabella I.
  • Roozenbeek, Jon
  • Ecker, Ullrich K. H.

Abstract

Misinformation can shape beliefs and undermine democracy, making effective mitigation essential. Generative AI presents risks and opportunities in this space—it can generate dubious content but also detect and counter misinformation at scale. AI’s ability to support and persuade people, facilitate discourse, and enhance media literacy underscores its potential. However, risks such as hallucinations, bias reinforcement, and manipulation highlight the need for responsible implementation. This essay explores AI’s role as an Informer, Guardian, Persuader, Integrator, Collaborator, Teacher, and Playmaker, examining strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats via SWOT analysis. For policymakers and technology leaders, we highlight the importance of regulations, transparency, human oversight, and AI literacy to ensure that generative AI can serve as a tool for truth rather than deception.

Suggested Citation

  • Nygren, Thomas & Spearing, Emily & Fay, Nicolas & Vega, Davide & Hardwick, Isabella I. & Roozenbeek, Jon & Ecker, Ullrich K. H., 2025. "The Seven Roles of Artificial Intelligence: Potential and Pitfalls in Combating Misinformation," OSF Preprints j4gtv_v1, Center for Open Science.
    • Handle: RePEc:osf:osfxxx:j4gtv_v1
    DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/j4gtv_v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Ullrich Ecker & Jon Roozenbeek & Sander van der Linden & Li Qian Tay & John Cook & Naomi Oreskes & Stephan Lewandowsky, 2024. "Misinformation poses a bigger threat to democracy than you might think," Nature, Nature, vol. 630(8015), pages 29-32, June.
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