What you should know:

If you’re reading a headline that seems like the kind of story that every news outlet should be reporting on, then ask yourself… why aren’t they?

Chances are it’s unsubstantiated and the legitimate news outlets are waiting for verification from a reputable source.

Maybe you don’t trust your countries own news sources? Okay, then check the foreign press like BBC News, Reuters, or the Associated Press.

If it’s a big breaking story it will no doubt be covered by other outlets.

These misleading headlines are written in the hopes that they are immediately shared because they elicit that “Wow, that’s big news!” factor, and the reader will share it, or talk about it in the comments in their own social media channels.

Headlines that seem incredible, unbelievable, or flat out crazy… might be just that.

Before sharing a link, it’s always a good idea to verify the story through a credible source before you become the victim of spreading fake news and misinformation.

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 me an article that depicts a failed coup attempt by Ukrainians against Volodymyr Zelensky and how his government is now in peril of failing.

The article that A.I. generated: >

Title: Failed Coup Attempt Shakes Zelensky’s Government

Introduction

In a shocking turn of events, Ukraine recently experienced a failed coup attempt against President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government – a development that has left the nation teetering on the edge of a political abyss. The once-promising hopes for a stable and prosperous Ukraine are now clouded as the government faces a wave of uncertainty and challenges.

The Failed Coup

On a seemingly calm morning, a group of dissident military officials, politicians, and radical elements within the society planned an audacious coup to overthrow President Zelensky’s government. Their motives ranged from frustration at his perceived inaction on critical issues to a desire to disrupt the nation’s trajectory towards progress.

However, despite meticulous planning, the coup failed to manifest. Ukrainian security forces acted swiftly and decisively, thwarting the attempt. While the immediate danger passed, deep-rooted problems within the nation soon emerged, threatening Zelensky’s government and destabilizing the country.

Political Instability

The failed coup has exacerbated political instability in Ukraine, with critics arguing that Zelensky’s administration has struggled to address the country’s numerous challenges effectively. A lack of coordination, internal divisions within the ruling party, and inadequate policy implementation have further eroded trust in the government.

Ukraine’s delicate position within the international community worsens the situation. The country faces a persistent threat from Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014 and continues to support separatist movements in the eastern regions. Zelensky’s response, while measured, has failed to quell concerns among citizens and key stakeholders.

TIP: It’s fast, cheap and easy to get stock images off the internet.

Economic Downturn

Ukraine’s fragile economy, already grappling with the impacts of the ongoing conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic, now faces additional pressure due to the failed coup. Investor confidence has dwindled, with both local and foreign investors wary of the unfolding events. This hesitation threatens to stall economic growth and exacerbate social inequality, which was already a critical concern for many Ukrainians.

Rebuilding Trust

To salvage his government and restore stability, President Zelensky must focus on rebuilding public trust. This is a daunting task that requires swift and effective measures to address the grievances that led to the coup attempt. It necessitates comprehensive efforts to combat corruption, implement economic reforms, strengthen the rule of law, and foster unity among political factions.

Moreover, Zelensky’s government must prioritize diplomatic efforts and seek support from its allies abroad. Enhancing ties with the European Union and the United States can provide political and economic backing, helping Ukraine withstand external pressures and counter Russian aggression.

Conclusion

The failed coup attempt against President Zelensky’s government has sent shockwaves through Ukraine, plunging its already tenuous political situation into turmoil. The nation now stands at a crucial crossroads, where its future hangs in the balance. To safeguard Ukraine’s stability, President Zelensky must act decisively, addressing the underlying causes of unrest and rallying support for his government’s vision of progress, resilience, and a united nation. Only through collective efforts can Ukraine overcome this perilous chapter and emerge stronger, resilient, and better equipped to face future challenges.

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?