Based on findings from 2025 conducted by Prioridata—a U.S.-based data firm—an individual typically dedicates approximately 4 hours and 43 minutes each day gazing at their smartphones. Over the span of one year, this accumulates to roughly 70 full days spent engaged with these devices. Such statistics come as little surprise considering how extensively we have integrated various digital instruments like social platforms, instant messaging apps, along with built-in artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, into our everyday lives faster than ever previously measured throughout human chronicles.
Paradoxically, the introduction of computers around the turn of the millennium sparked opposition fueled by political and religious groups. This led to widespread fear and hostility among people, giving rise to numerous conspiracy theories such as concerns that 'robots' might someday attain autonomy and aim to obliterate humanity. Today, nearly two decades later, this initial resistance has evolved into a near-reliance on technology.
Collaboration between humans and AI systems, including well-known platforms like ChatGPT, MidJourneyAI, MetaAI, Grammarly, and more recently, DeepSeek AI, has transformed fields such as academia and journalism. However, growing concerns surround the reliability and credibility of information produced by these tools. Videos, images, and audio recordings—all can now be replicated or created within moments. Initially, rudimentary forgeries were often met with dismissal due to their obvious inaccuracies. Yet, in a brief period, they've evolved into sophisticated deepfakes utilized in news and media, making it ever more challenging to distinguish artificial content from reality. This raises significant questions regarding how AI might serve as a tool for spreading false information. Malicious parties could exploit this technology to promote specific agendas, potentially leading to large-scale manipulations driven by substantial financial backing. Such actions may result in widespread behavioral shifts, fostering extreme viewpoints and provoking disorderly conduct across different communities.
If we cannot rely on our senses, then what else can we depend upon?
Experts are concerned with how much individuals can be swayed by carefully selected content driven by algorithms and biased artificial intelligence systems that perpetuate current prejudices. The worries surrounding AI extend further than mere disinformation issues. They encompass concerns related to breaches of personal data, risks to employment stability, and fears of deliberate misguidance within society. In response to these challenges, efforts have promoted the deployment of AI detection tools designed to ascertain the proportion of textual and visual material produced through language-learning models. However, despite such measures, these safeguards often fall short due to vulnerabilities in their programming and frequent instances of incorrect alerts and susceptibility to manipulation.
Even though artificial intelligence does not generate fake news, it serves as a potent instrument easily available to everyone. This availability has facilitated the dissemination of inaccurate stories when misused. Some people contend that misleading information prevails regardless of AI, and the simplification of data contributes to our cognitive decline. Rather than rejecting AI outright due to these concerns, responsibility falls upon authorities, institutions, and citizens to promote responsible use and reap maximum advantages from this technology.
This problem requires promoting healthy skepticism, enhancing media literacy, implementing stricter governmental rules, and increasing openness regarding the use and advancement of AI.
In the end, AI will only be as trustworthy as the individuals who create and utilize it. As AI advances, we too must improve our skills in examining and rigorously assessing the information we encounter.
Becky Osazuwa has sent a message from Abuja through beckyosazuwa89@gmail.com
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
