Understanding Artificial Intelligence and Deepfakes
MODULE TWO
MODULE TWO
Understanding Artificial Intelligence and Deepfakes
This module focuses on how artificial intelligence technologies and tools are changing how we create and consume content online and offers strategies for determining the credibility of images, videos, and text given these changes.
Concepts covered include: generative artificial intelligence, machine learning, capabilities and limitations of AI tools, deepfakes.
Module Notes
References and sourcesThe information the module comes from the following sources, listed in chronological in order:
Russell, Stuart, et al. “Updates to the OECD’s Definition of an AI System Explained.” OECD.AI Policy Observatory, OECD, 29 Nov. 2023, oecd.ai/en/wonk/ai-system-definition-update.
Brown, Sara. “Machine Learning, Explained.” MIT Sloan School of Management, MIT, 21 Apr. 2021, mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/machine-learning-explained.
Martineau, Kim. “What Is Generative AI?” IBM Research, IBM, 1 Sept. 2024, research.ibm.com/blog/what-is-generative-AI.
Zewe, Adam. “Explained: Generative AI.” MIT News , MIT, 9 Nov. 2023, news.mit.edu/2023/explained-generative-ai-1109.
“When AI Gets It Wrong: Addressing AI Hallucinations and Bias.” MIT Sloan Teaching & Learning Technologies, 12 Nov. 2024, mitsloanedtech.mit.edu/ai/basics/addressing-ai-hallucinations-and-bias/.
Slater, Joe, et al. “AI’s Bullshitting Obscures Who’s to Blame for Its Mistakes.” Scientific American, Scientific American, 17 July 2024, www.scientificamerican.com/article/chatgpt-isnt-hallucinating-its-bullshitting/.
“Research Guides: Artificial Intelligence for Image Research: Datasets, Bias, Discrimination.” Research Guides at University of Toronto, University of Toronto Libraries, Feb. 2025, https://guides.library.utoronto.ca/c.php?g=735513&p=5297043
“6 Things to Know about AI.” News Literacy Project, 20 Nov. 2024, newslit.org/tips-tools/6-things-to-know-about-ai/.
“Synthetic Media & Deepfakes.” Center for News, Technology & Innovation, 11 Oct. 2024, innovating.news/article/synthetic-media-deepfakes/.
Helmus, Todd C. “Artificial Intelligence, Deepfakes, and Disinformation: A Primer.” RAND: Expert Inisghts, RAND Corporation, 6 July 2022, www.rand.org/pubs/perspectives/PEA1043-1.html.
Waldemarsson, Christoffer. Alliance of Democracies, Copenhagen, Denmark, 2020, Disinformation, Deepfakes & Democracy: The European Response to Election Interference in the Digital Age.
“How to Spot Deepfake Scams: What Older Adults Need to Know.” NCOA: Scam and Fraud Prevention, The National Council on Aging, Oct. 2024, www.ncoa.org/article/understanding-deepfakes-what-older-adults-need-to-know/.
“Misinformation, Disinformation & Malinformation: A Guide.” Princeton Public Library, 24 Oct. 2024, princetonlibrary.org/guides/misinformation-disinformation-malinformation-a-guide/.
