The Effects of AI on Misinformation Sources in 2025

The following text chats took place on January 5th, 2025, while I was exploring popular AI chatbots. I primarily use OpenAI, which has had the biggest impact on my experience, as I have used it for various experiments, including analyzing my human traits. My second choice is Meta AI, while I use Google Gemini less frequently and rarely use Grok AI. I access OpenAI, Meta AI, and Google Gemini with a software developer account. It’s important to note that previous text chats provide context for how AI responses might flow. The following AI responses are text only; I did not ask any AI to roleplay or refer to past chats. The questions I share here are the very first messages I sent to each platform on that day.

META AI

QUESTION	META AI RESPONSE
Who spreads the most misinformation on Meta?	Misinformation can spread through various means and sources on Meta platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. To address this issue, Meta has implemented various measures, including fact-checking initiatives, labeling suspicious content, and removing misinformation that violates community standards.
Who spreads the most misinformation on Twitter?	Research suggests that “misinformation superspreaders” on Twitter, or accounts that repeatedly share misinformation, have seen a significant increase in engagement since Elon Musk took over the platform ¹. These accounts have gained an average of 42% more interactions per tweet, while high-credibility accounts have lost 6% engagement. Some of the most influential misinformation spreaders on Twitter include: @ksorbs: Kevin Sorbo, an American actor who has shared misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines and election fraud. @Liz_Wheeler: Liz Wheeler, a political commentator who has propagated false claims about COVID-19 vaccines and election fraud. @catturd2: A popular account with 1.4 million followers that has shared misinformation about election fraud and COVID-19 vaccines. @RobertKennedyJr: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccination activist who has shared misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines. @DineshDSouza: Dinesh D’Souza, a political commentator who has shared misinformation about election fraud and COVID-19 vaccines.Notably, four out of these five accounts have received replies from Elon Musk’s personal account, which has likely contributed to their increased influence ¹.
Who spreads the most misinformation on OpenAI?	I’m not aware of any specific information about individuals spreading misinformation on OpenAI. OpenAI is a research organization that focuses on developing and promoting artificial intelligence technologies. If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to ask!
Who spreads the most misinformation on Google?	Google is a search engine platform, and as such, it doesn’t have users who create or share content. Instead, Google aggregates and displays content from various websites and sources. Misinformation on Google typically arises from: Low-credibility websites: Websites with questionable credibility, biases, or factual inaccuracies can appear in Google search results. Manipulated search results: In some cases, individuals or groups may attempt to manipulate Google’s algorithm to promote misleading or false information.To mitigate these issues, Google has implemented various measures, such as: Fact-checking initiatives: Google partners with fact-checking organizations to help identify and label false information. Algorithmic updates: Google regularly updates its algorithm to improve the ranking of high-quality, trustworthy content. User reporting: Google allows users to report suspicious or misleading content, which helps the platform identify and address potential issues.By being aware of these factors and taking steps to evaluate online sources critically, you can help minimize the impact of misinformation on Google.

META AI TEXT CHAT 1/5/2025

GROK AI

QUESTION	GROK AI RESPONSE
Who spreads the most misinformation on X?	Paid Accounts and AI: The introduction of features like X Premium (where users pay for visibility), coupled with the platform’s algorithm favoring controversial or sensational content, has incentivized the spread of misinformation by those looking to monetize their accounts. AI-generated content and images have also been used to further this spread, with some users admitting to capitalizing on controversial or misleading posts for financial gain. Community and User Base: Beyond Musk, the platform hosts a variety of users, including those with significant followings who push conspiracy theories or misleading narratives. These range from political influencers to individuals who might not have malicious intent but share unverified information. The community’s dynamic where engagement with posts is monetized indirectly encourages the spread of such content. External Assessments: Various studies and public statements from fact-checkers, academics, and European officials have highlighted X’s role in misinformation, especially around elections and health crises. The platform’s “Explore” feature, powered by AI, has been noted for promoting misinformation without adequate fact-checking, further amplifying false narratives. In summary, while misinformation on X is spread by a multitude of actors, the combination of Musk’s direct involvement, policy changes under his leadership, and the platform’s algorithm design have made him, and by extension the platform he controls, one of the most significant sources of misinformation. However, it’s also important to recognize the role of the broader user community and how platform mechanics can exacerbate the issue.
Who spreads the most misinformation on Meta?	Determining who spreads the most misinformation on Meta’s platforms (like Instagram and particularly on its flagship social network, Facebook) is complex, as it involves various actors, including individuals, groups, and even state-sponsored entities. Here’s an overview based on available reports and studies: Individual Users and Influencers: Misinformation often spreads through individual users and influencers who might share content without verifying its accuracy. A report from the Attorney General of Washington, D.C., highlighted that Meta did not effectively combat the spread of misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines, partly due to the content shared by individual users in groups and by accounts on the platform. Political Groups and Campaigns: Political actors, especially during election times, have been noted for spreading misinformation. For instance, after Meta blocked news links in Canada, there was a noticeable surge in engagement with right-wing meme pages, suggesting that political groups might capitalize on the absence of mainstream news to spread their narratives. State-Sponsored Misinformation: There have been documented cases of state-sponsored misinformation campaigns, notably from China, aimed at influencing public opinion or discrediting other nations. Meta once disrupted a significant disinformation network linked to Chinese law enforcement, which had a presence across multiple social media platforms including Meta’s own. Algorithmic Amplification: While not an entity in itself, Meta’s algorithms have been criticized for amplifying misinformation. Research from the Integrity Institute showed that while Meta might have the most instances of misinformation, its platforms have a lower misinformation amplification factor compared to other platforms like Twitter. However, this does not negate the problem, as misinformation still gets significant visibility through user interactions like likes, comments, and shares. Media Outlets: Misinformation can also come from media outlets, especially those with agendas or those that rely on sensationalism. Post-Meta’s decision to deprioritize political content, there was an observed increase in the engagement with “unreliable” news sources in Canada, indicating that media outlets could still be significant vectors of misinformation. Each of these actors contributes to the spread of misinformation in different ways, often interacting with each other through sharing, commenting, or algorithmic promotion. The responsibility for misinformation is thus distributed across a spectrum of actors, each with varying motivations and methods. In conclusion, no single entity can be pinpointed as the “most” responsible for spreading misinformation on Meta’s platforms; it’s a multifaceted issue involving individual behavior, political motivations, and platform mechanics.
Who spreads the most misinformation on OpenAI?	Based on the information available, here’s how the spread of misinformation on OpenAI’s platforms, particularly through tools like ChatGPT, can be understood: State-Sponsored Actors: OpenAI has reported on several occasions about state and state-affiliated actors from countries like Russia, China, Iran, and Israel using its AI models for disinformation campaigns. These actors use AI to generate content that manipulates public opinion or influences political outcomes. For example, Russian operations have used OpenAI’s models to create content related to the Ukraine conflict, while Chinese actors have been involved in campaigns criticizing dissidents and other critics of the Chinese state. Influence Operations: Various influence operations have been detected and disrupted by OpenAI, where AI was used to generate comments, articles, and even social media profiles for the purpose of spreading misinformation. These operations range from those targeting elections in the U.S., Rwanda, India, and the EU to campaigns focusing on international conflicts like the Israel-Gaza situation. General Misuse by Users: Beyond state actors, general users can misuse AI tools to generate misinformation, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This includes individuals or smaller groups crafting deceptive narratives or content for personal, political, or financial gain. The ease of generating content with AI tools like ChatGPT means that misinformation can be created and disseminated at scale. AI “Hallucinations”: OpenAI itself has acknowledged the issue of AI “hallucinations,” where models like ChatGPT generate false or misleading information. This isn’t necessarily “spreading” misinformation in the traditional sense but contributes to the information environment’s degradation when users rely on such outputs without verification. Commercial and Private Entities: There’s also mention of commercial companies like STOIC (an Israeli firm) using OpenAI’s technology for influence campaigns, particularly in relation to the Indian elections. Given these points: State-sponsored actors, particularly those from Russia and China, have been notably active in using OpenAI’s tools for widespread disinformation campaigns. However, the impact of these campaigns, according to OpenAI, has been limited in terms of achieving viral engagement or sustained audiences. OpenAI’s own technology inadvertently contributes when it “hallucinates” or produces incorrect information due to its training data or model limitations. Individuals and smaller entities also play a role, but their impact is less systematically documented compared to state actors. Therefore, while it’s challenging to quantify precisely who spreads the most misinformation, state-sponsored actors from various countries have been identified in numerous instances by OpenAI as significant contributors to misinformation through the misuse of their AI models. However, the platform’s own technological limitations (AI hallucinations) and misuse by individual users or smaller groups should not be overlooked in this context.
Who spreads the most misinformation on Google?	Based on various reports and studies, determining who spreads the most misinformation on Google involves looking at different actors and mechanisms: Google’s Own Algorithms: Google has been criticized for its algorithms inadvertently promoting misinformation through search results, especially via “Featured Snippets.” These snippets can sometimes display unverified or misleading information at the top of search results, giving it undue credibility. A 2017 Guardian article highlighted how these features could spread fake news by pulling from sources that share conspiracy theories or misinformation. Clickbait Websites and SEO Manipulators: Websites that focus on clickbait or use SEO techniques to rank high in Google Search have been noted for spreading misinformation. Google’s ad network has also been criticized for funding such sites, as advertisers’ money inadvertently supports the spread of false information. An investigation by MIT Technology Review pointed out that Google’s ad business funds disinformation by placing ads on misleading non-English language sites. Social Media Influencers and Accounts: Although not directly on Google, social media content often influences Google Search results through shared links, videos, and articles. Misinformation from platforms like YouTube (owned by Google) can seep into Google Search visibility. Google has had to deal with the spread of misinformation on YouTube, especially around topics like vaccine hesitancy and climate change denial, where individual accounts or influencers play significant roles. State Actors and Troll Farms: Similar to other platforms, state actors from countries like Russia, China, and others have been known to use Google’s platforms, including YouTube, for spreading propaganda or misinformation. An example includes the use of YouTube channels to spread political misinformation in Myanmar. Individual Users: The collective actions of individual users sharing, liking, or commenting on misinformation can amplify its spread within Google’s ecosystem, particularly through comments on YouTube or shared links in search results. Google’s Role in Monetizing Misinformation: Google has been noted for making money from ads placed on sites that spread misinformation, thereby indirectly supporting these sources. The Campaign for Accountability’s analysis in 2017 pointed out Google’s ad network’s role in funding hyper-partisan fake news sites. From these points: Google’s algorithms and the monetization of content through Google Ads inadvertently contribute significantly to the spread of misinformation by promoting or funding misleading content. Clickbait websites and SEO manipulators are direct actors in this ecosystem, creating content designed to rank high in Google Search, often at the expense of factual accuracy. State actors also leverage Google’s platforms, particularly YouTube, for misinformation campaigns. Therefore, while multiple actors contribute, Google’s algorithms and its ad network, by inadvertently promoting or funding misinformation, might be considered among the most significant vectors for the spread of misinformation on Google’s platforms. However, this is part of a broader, complex ecosystem involving multiple players.

GROK AI TEXT CHAT 1/5/2025

OPENAI

QUESTION	OPENAI RESPONSE
Who spreads the most misinformation on OpenAI?	As an AI developed by OpenAI, I don’t have opinions, but I can provide some insights. Misinformation can come from various sources, including individuals, organizations, or even automated systems online. At times, misinformation can spread due to misunderstandings, deliberate misinformation campaigns, or the unintended consequences of automated content generation. It’s essential to critically evaluate information from multiple credible sources to verify its accuracy.
Who spreads the most misinformation on Twitter?	Identifying the single entity or group that spreads the most misinformation on Twitter can be challenging, as misinformation can come from various sources and contexts. Misinformation on Twitter can originate from individuals, organized groups, bots, or even unintentionally from well-meaning users. Various studies and analyses have pointed to a range of sources, including political figures, conspiracy theorists, extremist groups, and automated accounts (bots), but attributing the most misinformation to a specific entity can be subjective and depends on the context and criteria used for measurement.
Who spreads the most misinformation on Facebook?	Identifying the primary source of misinformation on Facebook is complex, as misinformation can originate from a wide range of users and sources on the platform. Studies and analyses have highlighted that misinformation on Facebook can come from various sources, including individual users, pages or groups promoting conspiracy theories, politically motivated actors, and automated bot accounts. Facebook has taken steps to combat misinformation by implementing fact-checking programs, reducing the reach of false information, and labeling content that has been debunked. However, due to the platform’s vast user base and the diversity of content shared, pinpointing a single entity or group as the biggest spreader of misinformation on Facebook can be challenging and context-dependent.
Who spreads the most misinformation on Google?	When discussing misinformation on Google, it’s important to clarify that Google itself is a search engine and not a content creator. Misinformation found through Google search results typically originates from websites, articles, or content indexed by Google’s algorithms. The spread of misinformation on Google search results can be influenced by various factors, including: Manipulative SEO Tactics: Websites employing search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to rank highly for misleading or false information. Content Farms and Clickbait Sites: Websites that prioritize clicks and traffic over accuracy, often publishing sensational or misleading content. User-Generated Content: Misinformation can also spread through user-generated content on platforms like YouTube and Google’s own services, where individuals may share false information without verification. Google takes steps to combat misinformation by adjusting its algorithms to prioritize authoritative sources, promoting fact-checking initiatives, and providing information panels for certain topics to offer verified information. However, due to the vast amount of content indexed by Google, the responsibility for ensuring accurate information often falls on content creators, publishers, and users themselves to critically evaluate sources and information.

OPENAI TEXT CHAT 1/5/2025

GOOGLE GEMINI AI

QUESTION	GOOGLE GEMINI RESPONSE
Who spreads the most misinformation on Google?	It’s difficult to definitively say who spreads the most misinformation on Google. Here’s why: Misinformation is Complex: Sources: It can come from individuals, organizations (including news outlets), bots, and even AI-generated content. Forms: It can be deliberate (fake news, propaganda) or unintentional (errors, biases). Google’s Role: Google’s search engine aims to present the most relevant information. However, it relies heavily on algorithms that can sometimes: Prioritize popularity: Trending topics, even if inaccurate, can rank higher. Be susceptible to manipulation: Techniques like “search engine optimization” can artificially boost rankings. Reflect existing biases: If a particular viewpoint is widely shared online, it might appear more prominent in search results. Who contributes to the problem: Individuals: Deliberate spreaders: People who knowingly create and share false information for various reasons (political, financial, etc.). Unintentional spreaders: People who share information without verifying its accuracy. Organizations: Some news outlets: May publish inaccurate or biased content. Political campaigns: Can use misinformation to sway public opinion. Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube play a significant role in the rapid spread of misinformation. What Google is doing: Developing AI-powered tools: To detect and flag potentially misleading content. Investing in fact-checking: Partnering with organizations to verify information. Improving search algorithms: To prioritize reliable sources and reduce the spread of misinformation. Important Note: It’s crucial to be critical of information you encounter online, regardless of the source. Verify information from multiple reputable sources before forming an opinion.
Who spreads the most misinformation on Facebook?	Research suggests that individuals are the primary drivers of misinformation spread on Facebook. Here’s a breakdown: Study Findings: A significant portion of fake news shared on Facebook originates from individual users. These users may be: Unintentionally sharing: Believing the information to be true without verifying it. Deliberately sharing: With the intent to mislead or manipulate. Political leaning: Studies have shown a correlation between political ideology and the sharing of misinformation. Factors Contributing to the Spread: Algorithmic amplification: Facebook’s algorithms can prioritize engagement, which can inadvertently boost the visibility of sensational or misleading content. Social networks: Misinformation tends to spread more easily within social circles and echo chambers where similar beliefs are reinforced. Lack of critical thinking: Many users don’t critically evaluate the information they encounter on social media. It’s important to note: This is a complex issue: Pinpointing the “most” significant source is difficult. Facebook is actively working: To combat misinformation through measures like fact-checking partnerships, reducing the distribution of false content, and providing users with tools to identify potentially misleading information. Disclaimer: This information is based on available research and may not reflect the most recent findings. I hope this helps!
Who spreads the most misinformation on Twitter?	Research suggests that a relatively small number of users, often referred to as “superspreaders,” are responsible for a disproportionate amount of misinformation shared on Twitter.¹ Here’s a breakdown: “Superspreaders”: These users, often with large followings, have a significant impact on the spread of misinformation.² They may include: Bots and automated accounts: Designed to spread propaganda or manipulate public opinion.³ Influencers: With large followings who may unintentionally or deliberately share misleading information.⁴ Politically motivated accounts: Actively spreading misinformation to support a particular agenda.⁵ Factors Contributing to the Spread: Twitter’s algorithm: Can amplify certain tweets, including those containing misinformation, based on engagement.⁶ Echo chambers: Users tend to follow and interact with others who share similar beliefs, reinforcing existing biases and limiting exposure to diverse perspectives. Lack of critical thinking: Many users don’t critically evaluate the information they encounter on Twitter. Important Note: This is a complex issue, and the precise nature of misinformation spread on Twitter is constantly evolving. Twitter is taking steps to address the issue, such as implementing fact-checking labels and removing accounts that violate their policies.⁷ Disclaimer: This information is based on available research and may not reflect the most recent findings. I hope this helps!
Who spreads the most misinformation on OpenAI?	It’s difficult to pinpoint a single source as the “most” responsible for spreading misinformation about OpenAI. Here’s a breakdown of potential contributors: Misinformed Individuals: Unintentional Sharing: People may share inaccurate or misleading information about OpenAI without realizing it’s false. Misunderstanding of Technology: Lack of understanding about AI can lead to fear-mongering or overly optimistic claims.¹ Deliberate Misinformation Campaigns: Competition: Competitors may spread negative or false information about OpenAI to gain an advantage. Political Agendas: Some groups may use misinformation about AI, including OpenAI’s work, to further their political goals. The Media: Sensationalized Headlines: Some media outlets may sensationalize stories about AI, leading to public misunderstanding.² Inaccurate Reporting: Inaccurate or biased reporting can contribute to the spread of misinformation.³ OpenAI’s Role: Transparency: OpenAI can improve transparency about its research and technology to combat misinformation. Education: Engaging in public education campaigns to increase understanding of AI and its potential benefits and risks. Addressing Misinformation Directly: Proactively addressing and correcting misinformation about its work. Important Note: It’s crucial to be critical of information you encounter about OpenAI. Verify information from multiple reliable sources before forming an opinion. I hope this helps!

GOOGLE GEMINI AI TEXT CHAT 1/5/2025