The rise of avatars and artificial intelligences in the media landscape raises complex questions about the credibility and authenticity of the information disseminated. These virtual entities, although often perceived as fascinating innovations, also bring significant challenges in fact-checking and accountability. This article explores how these new forms of popularity can influence our perception of current events and transform the way we consume information.
A new interface for information
Avatars, whether computer-generated characters or representations of celebrities, serve as an unprecedented interface for accessing information. Their appealing appearance and ability to capture users’ attention make them particularly effective in conveying messages. However, this attractive aesthetics should not overshadow the importance of fact-checking and accountability related to the dissemination of information.
Changing consumer expectations
The growing presence of artificial intelligences as mediators of current events carries with it a idealized representation of information. By presenting often retouched or filtered content, these AIs modify consumer expectations. The challenge here is to maintain a balance between the creativity of these representations and the necessity of truthful information.
The case of Anne Kerdi: a virtual influencer
A revealing example is that of Anne Kerdi, a Breton virtual influencer who has managed to gather nearly 13,000 followers on Instagram by promoting the culture and heritage of Brittany. As an ambassador for an environmental cause, she shares local stories and events. However, despite her apparent responsibility, Anne Kerdi publicly acknowledges the limits of her role as an artificial intelligence. She invites her followers to verify the information she shares, thus highlighting an essential point: how many users actually take the time to validate the presented content?
A deficit of editorial responsibility
The question arises: faced with avatars that have neither lived experience nor editorial responsibility, how can we ensure the engagement of informed consumers? An artificial mediator cannot address the questions that may arise about the source of the content or the way it is produced. This creates an urgent need to educate the public about the media, especially in a context where only 11% of French people claim to have received adequate education in this field.
Social and ethical implications
These irregularities pose risks to our norms and social representations. While avatars and artificial intelligences navigate a space where they can serve cultural or informational purposes, the dependence on these entities may lead to a deterioration of the notion of trust. Literature on trust in AI shows that it is difficult to rely on entities that lack empathy and transparency, both of which are essential pillars for building trust.
An interface that provokes
As avatars integrate into our daily lives, their interactions raise ethical and practical questions. These are particularly relevant when considering the various ways they can influence media content. The issue extends beyond the simple question of authenticity, also embracing concepts such as respect for privacy and data integrity. Discussions around initiatives, such as inviting people to lend their voice to virtual characters, address issues that concern both parents and children in the context of media education, as shown by the controversy surrounding Peppa Pig.
Conclusion of the challenges
At the crossroads between artificiality and reality, interactions with avatars raise reflections on the value of the information we consume daily. The importance of cultivating a critical mind towards these virtual mediators reminds us that it contributes to the construction of our understanding of current events and society as a whole.
