Beware of the Fake Feed: How AI-Generated News is Clouding Our Scrolls

By: Caitlin Franklin | Seasonal Public Relations Intern | Digital4Good

We scroll for connection, clarity, and updates on what matters. According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 54% of adults in the United States get their news from social media. But lately, something strange has been creeping into our feeds: headlines that sound official, videos that feel urgent, and stories that stir up emotion, until you realize they’re entirely fabricated.

Welcome to the rise of AI-generated fake news.

When News Isn't News At All

Thanks to powerful generative AI tools, it’s easier than ever to make a fake video, write a realistic-sounding article, or clone the voice of a newscaster. These aren’t just silly memes or clickbait titles. We’re talking about full-on synthetic news clips that look and sound legitimate, but are completely made up.

They show up in your For You Page and suggested reels, racking up thousands of views and comments. And the wild part? Many viewers believe every word. When the AI is convincing enough, separating fact from fiction becomes a challenge, even for an observant viewer.

Why It Matters

On TikTok, Instagram, and even YouTube Shorts, videos are brief, shareable, and emotional—the perfect recipe for the rapid spread of misinformation. AI makes it even easier to generate convincing content on a massive scale. 

Common topics for synthetic news media include:

• Political drama or conspiracy theories
• Celebrity deaths or scandals
• "Breaking news" about wars, laws, or world events

It’s not just about what’s false. It’s about how fast the news travels, and how many people fall for it before fact-checkers can catch up.

How to Tell If It's AI

Not sure what to believe anymore? Try this quick gut check:

• Too polished? Do the visuals look overly smooth, or does the voice sound “off”? Those are two signs the content could be AI-generated.
• No source? Is there a real reporter or outlet behind it? When you search for the headline online, where else does it appear?
• Too emotional? If it’s designed to make you angry or afraid, pause before you react. Emotion is a tool used to manipulate.

If it’s a major news story, you should be able to find coverage from a few reputable sources. If not, it might be fake.

Do You Need a Misinformation Detox?

Ask yourself:

• Have I reshared something before checking if it was true?
• Do I rely mostly on social media for breaking news?
• Have I argued with someone about a viral post that turned out to be false?

If you answered yes to one or more of the questions above, it may be time to rethink how you consume news. Luckily, there are steps you can take right now to clean up your feed.

Step 1: Unfollow "news" accounts with no source credibility
If you can't tell who runs the page or where they get their information, hit unfollow.

Step 2: Add reputable outlets and fact-checkers
Follow journalists, media literacy organizations, or outlets with a track record of unbiased reporting.

Step 3: Don’t just scroll—search
When something major happens, don’t rely on one video. Do a quick search and see what multiple sources are saying.

Step 4: Use the report button
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have options to report misleading or fake information. When you suspect something is fake, flag it; this will help train the system.

Real Feeds, Real Peace

Your feed should keep you informed, not misled. A clean, truthful scroll doesn’t just protect you. It protects your community, too.

At Digital4Good, we believe digital media literacy is digital self-defense. In a world full of AI filters and fake headlines, it’s more important than ever to pause, question, and scroll with care. Take control of your feed and your facts with Digital4Good’s free news literacy resource.