Social Media and AI: The Role of Chatbots in Disinformation during LA Protests

AI Chatbots in the Age of Misinformation

Social media and artificial intelligence (AI) are shaping the narrative of current events, particularly during the ongoing protests in Los Angeles. Conservative users on platforms like X have shared inaccurate footage, framing protesters as paid actors influenced by mysterious figures, backed by no credible evidence.

Emergence of Disinformation

With conventional content moderation waning on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Meta, users increasingly rely on AI chatbots for fact-checking. However, these tools have, in many instances, propagated misinformation rather than clarifying facts.

Case Studies of Misinformation

• National Guard Images: Following a viral post from California Governor Gavin Newsom, AI chatbot Grok misattributed images of National Guard troops, claiming links to the 2025 protests despite clear data showing their origin from 2021.
• False Claims of Fake Photos: Users on social media circulated claims that photos shared by Newsom were artificially generated, leading to confusion about their authenticity.
• Misinterpretation of Protest Visuals: In another example, Grok misinformed users about the origin of an image related to a pile of bricks, asserting it was associated with LA protests without evidence.

Broader Implications

The ongoing disinformation blurs the line between fact and fiction during critical political moments. As AI-driven tools become more embedded in social ecosystems, ensuring their accuracy and reliability becomes vital for informed public discourse.