What you should know:

These headlines are another form of ‘clickbait’, designed to pull you in to most likely get you to skim through a ton of advertisements.

Betteridge’s Law of Headlines states that, “Any headline which ends in a question mark can be answered by the word no.” The idea is that you can create a sensational headline or title by asking a yes-or-no question to which the answer is “no.”

The following is an A.I. generated article.

The following article was generated by A.I. for the purposes of demonstrating how easily fake news can be manufactured, and how quickly misinformation can be spread.

While this is a rudimentary example it helps showcase the importance of news literacy in the digital age.

This technology is becoming more sophisticated by the day, and the best way to combat fake news is by staying informed on the technologies and tactics used by disruptive players who are trying to control the narrative.

We offer some tips for spotting these types of fake articles down below.

What was entered into the A.I. prompt: >

Write an article on how tennis is no longer considered a professional sport.

The article that A.I. generated: >

Title: The Decline and Controversy of Professional Tennis: When a Sport Loses Its Professionalism

Introduction:
Once regarded as the epitome of grace, skill, and professionalism, tennis has experienced a decline in its status as a professional sport. In recent years, a series of controversies, ethical and behavioral concerns, and financial turmoil have tarnished its reputation. With players embroiled in scandals, questionable on-court behavior, and a lack of governing transparency, tennis has lost its aura of professionalism. This article delves into the reasons why tennis is no longer considered a paragon of professionalism.

1. Unethical Conduct:
In recent times, numerous prominent tennis personalities have been involved in ethical scandals that have shocked the world. For instance, match-fixing allegations involving high-ranking players have plagued the sport, casting doubt on fair competition and leaving spectators feeling cheated. These incidents call into question the integrity and professionalism attached to the sport.

2. Poor On-Court Behavior:
Tennis used to be known for its sportsmanship, class, and respect for opponents. However, the rise of poor on-court behavior among players has significantly eroded that image. Instances of verbal abuse, unsportsmanlike conduct, and tantrums have become far too common, staining tennis’ reputation and undermining its perceived professionalism. When players fail to uphold a sense of respect and decency, the sport loses its credibility.

3. Financial Turmoil:
Tennis, like many other professional sports, now comes with a staggering price tag. The increasing cost of equipment, training, and travel leaves many talented athletes unable to pursue a career in the sport, especially from low-income backgrounds. This financial burden limits access to professional-level tennis, making it increasingly elitist and raising concerns about the sport’s ability to foster new talent.

4. Governance Issues:
The governance of tennis has also come under scrutiny in recent years. Concerns surrounding transparency, accountability, and conflicts of interest within the associations that oversee the sport threaten its professionalism. Instances of biased decisions, inconsistent rule enforcement, and allegations of favoritism have raised questions about the integrity and objectivity of tennis governing bodies.

5. Commercialization and Celebrity Culture:
The commercialization of tennis has shifted the focus away from the sport itself, prioritizing commercial partnerships and endorsements over fair play and sportsmanship. Tennis stars now embrace their roles as celebrities and social media influencers, often overshadowing their on-court prowess. This excessive emphasis on fame and materialistic pursuits has contributed to the decline of tennis as a professional sport, blurring the lines between athleticism and mere showmanship.

Conclusion:
Tennis, once held in high regard as a professional sport, has experienced a decline in recent years due to multiple factors. The emergence of unethical behavior, lackluster on-court conduct, financial barriers, governance issues, and the overpowering influence of commercialization have marred tennis’ reputation as a professional sport. Addressing these concerns is crucial to restoring the sport’s professionalism and ensuring that it remains a game of skill, integrity, and fair competition. Only by restoring tennis’ values and upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship can it regain its former glory.

About A.I. generated articles:

There are a number of sites and applications that provide the service of generating articles like the one above.

The user simply types in a prompt and within seconds the article is generated.

Hit copy / paste. Done.

Some services won’t allow certain phrases/words, but users are getting crafty in how to get past the ethical boundaries.

Additionally, there are myriad sites/apps that offer istock images, or can even generate them based upon your query.

The article above took seconds to generate as did the imagery.

If we can do it in a matter of seconds, think of what a bad actor in the space could accomplish?

Do you recognize it as a credible source?

Are other news outlets reporting the story?

Did you actually read the article?