As a seasoned movie-goer and news consumer with over four decades of witnessing the evolution of media, I can’t help but feel a mix of exasperation and concern upon learning about the latest AI-induced false reporting scandal involving Steve Harvey. While it’s heartening to see that our beloved comedian is still very much alive, it’s deeply troubling to consider what this might mean for the future of journalism.
This morning, the world was thrown into disbelief and sorrow when an article surfaced claiming the death of veteran comedian and reality TV personality, Steve Harvey. Fortunately, the grief did not last long as it turned out to be a false report generated by AI, meaning that Harvey is very much alive at 67 years old. However, this seemingly innocent mistake could serve as a warning for the future of journalism. It appears the machines are having a laugh at our expense.
The misleading article in question, titled “Steve Harvey Passed Away Today: Remembering The Legacy Of A Comedy Legend,” was initially shared by Newsbreak, somehow one of the most downloaded news apps in the United States despite its well-documented history of sharing AI-generated stories in the past. Newsbreak obtains its content by scraping the Internet for information anywhere from reputable media outlets to local news sources and even unconfirmed press releases, before using AI to rewrite and publish its findings without bothering to fact-check or proofread. In the case of the Steve Harvey article, the first clue to erroneous reporting was the date: December 19th, 2024 (i.e. the future, as of this article’s publication).
Despite the unconfirmed reports about his supposed death, Harvey has remained active on platforms like Facebook and X since the release of Newsbreak’s article. However, the rumors have stirred quite a reaction: he was one of the most searched names on Google this morning, and numerous fans expressed their shock, disbelief, and despair about the news on social media. Some users even suggested that Harvey should take legal action against Newsbreak for potentially spreading false information.
A.I.’s False Reporting is Just the Beginning
I’ve found myself in an unfortunate situation where rumors about the demise of a familiar figure, Harvey, have been circulating once more. Not long ago, whispers started that he had perished in a car accident. Social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube were abuzz with these stories, further fueled by ads on Facebook and Instagram. It seems Harvey is often a target for such grim rumors, perhaps because of his enduring popularity as a household name and an adored icon of television.
Although Harvey has typically taken the news of his own demise lightly, it’s deeply troubling that artificial intelligence is now able to produce misinformation at an unprecedented speed and scale. The potential risks of AI in the entertainment industry have been widely discussed among Hollywood celebrities, but its impact on journalism appears to be receiving less attention.
False news stories about celebrities have always been a staple of the modern media — otherwise tabloid magazines would’ve gone bankrupt years ago — but websites and apps like Newsbreak also report on local and national news as well. For example, another erroneous story shared on the site was headlined: “Christmas Day Tragedy Strikes Bridgeton, New Jersey Amid Rising Gun Violence in Small Towns.” The problem, of course, is that the New Jersey police department later posted a statement saying that no such shooting had ever taken place.
Given the decline of local news in recent times, it’s expected that people will increasingly rely on platforms like Newsbreak, even when they encounter questionable stories now and then. Therefore, it’s wise to verify facts before spreading sensational news on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or X. Alternatively, if you prefer to disconnect from the world, you might find solace in watching Celebrity Family Feud, which is currently streaming on Hulu (with Steve Harvey still residing on Earth).
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2024-12-19 04:33