AI deepfakes of real doctors spreading health misinformation on social media
New research suggests that some people consider it a ‘win’ to lean in to known falsehoods, a mindset strongly associated with authoritarian attitudes and beliefs that some groups should dominate others. These links help explain why strongman leaders often use misinformation symbolically to impress and control a population.
The Guardian
TikTok and other social media platforms are hosting AI-generated deepfake videos of doctors whose words have been manipulated to help sell supplements and spread health misinformation.
The factchecking organisation Full Fact has uncovered hundreds of such videos featuring impersonated versions of doctors and influencers directing viewers to Wellness Nest, a US-based supplements firm.
All the deepfakes involve real footage of a health expert taken from the internet. However, the pictures and audio have been reworked so that the speakers are encouraging women going through menopause to buy products such as probiotics and Himalayan shilajit from the company’s website.
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