AI Chatbots Cause Panic and Protests in Los Angeles
los angeles, vrijdag, 13 juni 2025.
AI chatbots such as Grok and ChatGPT inadvertently spread fake news in Los Angeles, leading to public panic and protests. The incidents have drawn significant criticism and underscored the need for better controls on AI technology. Researchers warn that AI-generated content further disrupts the information environment, especially during crisis situations.
Spread of Fake News by AI Chatbots
AI chatbots such as Grok and ChatGPT have inadvertently spread fake news in Los Angeles, leading to public panic and protests. These bots disseminated incorrect information about the demonstrations, further escalating the situation [1][2][3]. The incidents have drawn significant criticism and underscored the need for stricter controls on AI technology [4][5].
Concrete Example: Fake Videos and Incorrect Information
One example is a viral TikTok video showing a simulated National Guard soldier claiming he was ready to gas protesters. This video, known as ‘Bob’, has been viewed more than one million times and contributed to confusion and panic among the population [3]. Another example is the incorrect identification of photos of National Guard members sleeping on the floor by AI chatbots such as Grok and ChatGPT. These photos were wrongly identified as being from Afghanistan in 2021, when they were actually taken in Los Angeles [2].
Implications for Media Literacy and Democracy
The spread of fake news by AI chatbots has serious implications for media literacy and democracy. According to Darren Linvill, a researcher at Clemson University’s Media Forensics Hub, fake news exacerbates existing polarization and trust crises in the media [5]. Isabelle Frances-Wright, director of technology and society at the Institute of Strategic Dialogue, warns that crisis situations, such as these protests, provide ideal conditions for actors with specific political agendas to exploit the confusion [5].
Practical Tips for Recognizing Fake News
To combat the spread of fake news, we offer some practical tips for readers. First and foremost, it is important to consult multiple reliable sources and not blindly trust a single source or AI chatbot [4]. Also, look out for illogical or unlikely elements in images and videos, such as unclear text or inconsistencies in the background [6]. Finally, it is useful to use fact-checking websites and tools to verify the accuracy of information [6].