Artificial Intelligence - Friend or Enemy in Misinformation and Disinformation Issues: Evaluating Preventive and Consequence-Based Approaches

The present paper provides the in-depth research on one of the most crucial components of the contemporary Information Ecosystem, the Information Disorder, and Artificial Intelligence techniques and algorithms involved, complemented with approaches and strategies adopted by various countries and stakeholders in the management and regulation of the information environment, with the ultimate objective to answer the main question: Is Artificial Intelligence a Friend or an Enemy in Misinformation and Disinformation Issues? The investigation highlights the sophistication and complexity of the exploring topic, requiring a multidimensional, multifaceted, holistic, and collaborative approach toward the management and governance of misinformation and disinformation issues and Artificial Intelligence technologies involved, examining the role and impact of crucial stakeholders involved in the Information Ecosystem.

Major findings of the research: different resources of information and processes of selecting specific information resources significantly influence the probability to encounter misinformation and disinformation; the reasons and motivational aspects of disinformation vary largely among creators and secondary disseminators; Artificial Intelligence technologies simultaneously represent threats and opportunities for the management of the Information Ecosystem and the Information Disorder components; international experience and the diversity of governance models allow to identify gaps and develop advanced regulatory frameworks based on the collaborative approach and best practices; literacy programs play the essential role in reducing misinformation and disinformation and in promoting the appropriate and ethical use of AI techniques; Information Disorder and Artificial Intelligence influence on business as external factors affecting business strategy and as internal factors influencing internal business operation and advancement; to enhance the efficiency of governance is required the concentration on preventive interventions, rather than consequence-based countermeasures, involvement of multiple stakeholders and the fundamental shift from content regulation to behavior management.

The results of this research paper may be employed for the development of international media, information, and digital literacy programs, as the foundation for business strategy development for private companies within information-sensitive industries, or as the fundamental basis for future research and investigations.