Sports Illustrated, one of the most popular sports magazines in the world, has been accused of using deep fake technology to create some of its content. The magazine, which is owned by Arena Group, announced earlier this month that it would start publishing AI-generated articles, along with its sister publication Men’s Journal. However, the move has sparked backlash from journalists, readers, and experts, who claim that the AI content is misleading, inaccurate, and unethical.
What are deep fakes and how are they used by Sports Illustrated?
Deep fakes are synthetic media that use artificial intelligence to manipulate or generate images, videos, audio, or text. They can be used for various purposes, such as entertainment, education, or propaganda. However, they can also pose serious risks, such as spreading misinformation, violating privacy, or harming reputation.
Sports Illustrated has been using deep fake technology to create some of its articles, especially in the health and fitness domain. The magazine claims that the AI content is reviewed and fact-checked by its editorial team, and that it provides valuable information to its audience. However, some of the AI articles have been found to contain serious errors, false claims, and dubious sources.
For example, the first AI article published by Men’s Journal, titled “What All Men Should Know About Low Testosterone”, was riddled with factual mistakes and mischaracterizations of medical science. The article, which was written by “Men’s Fitness Editors”, suggested a specific medical treatment in the form of testosterone replacement therapy, without providing any evidence or disclaimer. The article also cited questionable sources, such as a blog post by a self-proclaimed “biohacker” and a website that sells testosterone supplements.
The article was later revised and corrected, after Futurism, a science and technology website, exposed its flaws and consulted with a medical expert. However, some errors still remained, and the article did not acknowledge or apologize for its mistakes.
Why is AI content controversial and unethical?
AI content, especially deep fake content, is controversial and unethical for several reasons. First, it can deceive and misinform the readers, who may not be able to distinguish between real and fake content. This can have serious consequences, especially in the health and fitness domain, where inaccurate or harmful advice can affect the well-being of the readers.
Second, it can undermine the credibility and reputation of the magazine, which is supposed to provide reliable and trustworthy information to its audience. By using deep fake technology, the magazine may lose the trust and respect of its readers, who may feel betrayed or manipulated by the magazine.
Third, it can violate the professional and ethical standards of journalism, which require accuracy, honesty, transparency, and accountability. By using deep fake technology, the magazine may violate the principles of journalism, such as verifying the facts, attributing the sources, correcting the errors, and disclosing the conflicts of interest.
How has the public reacted to the AI content by Sports Illustrated?
The public reaction to the AI content by Sports Illustrated has been mostly negative and critical. Many journalists, readers, and experts have expressed their disappointment, anger, and concern over the use of deep fake technology by the magazine.
Some journalists have criticized the magazine for laying off its human writers and replacing them with AI systems, which they see as a sign of disrespect and exploitation. They have also questioned the quality and integrity of the AI content, which they see as inferior and dishonest.
Some readers have expressed their dissatisfaction and distrust of the magazine, which they see as a betrayal and a scam. They have also complained about the errors and inaccuracies of the AI content, which they see as misleading and harmful.
Some experts have warned about the dangers and risks of deep fake technology, which they see as a threat and a challenge. They have also called for more regulation and oversight of the AI content, which they see as a necessity and a responsibility.
What are the implications and challenges of AI content for the future of journalism?
AI content, especially deep fake content, has significant implications and challenges for the future of journalism. On one hand, AI content can offer some benefits, such as increasing the efficiency, productivity, and diversity of journalism. AI content can also provide some opportunities, such as enhancing the creativity, innovation, and engagement of journalism.
On the other hand, AI content can also pose some threats, such as compromising the quality, credibility, and ethics of journalism. AI content can also create some difficulties, such as detecting, verifying, and regulating the AI content.
Therefore, the future of journalism will depend on how the journalists, publishers, and readers will adapt to and cope with the AI content. The future of journalism will also depend on how the AI content will be used and controlled, for good or for evil.
