As Election Day Approaches, Voters Urged to Combat Misinformation and Stay Informed

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — As Election Day Draws Near, Voters Need to Stay Alert!

As we’re all gearing up to hit the polls, it’s vital to stay sharp and informed about what’s floating around in the world of politics. Misinformation is lurking, and it could easily sway opinions during this crucial time. So, what do you need to know? Let’s dive into some helpful insights!

Artificial Intelligence: The Good, The Bad, and The Misleading

First things first, let’s talk about artificial intelligence (AI). It’s becoming a real game-changer when it comes to creating content. Paul Sponcia, the CEO of The IT Company, explains that AI can whip up photos, videos, and even mimic voices with a level of realism that might leave us scratching our heads. Seriously, there are technologies out there that can craft scenarios that never happened, portraying candidates in light that can seem, well, a bit sketchy.

Imagine receiving a phone call where the voice on the other end sounds just like your friend, but it’s actually an AI impersonating them! “It can impersonate your voice, and you can call somebody, and it’s not you,” Sponcia points out. It’s fascinating but also a bit scary!

Spotting the Phony

Now, before you get too anxious, here’s something to chew on: even with all that technological prowess, AI isn’t flawless. The Better Business Bureau has noted that images created through these advanced programs often have a strangely glossy and dreamlike quality. They may miss tiny details, especially when it comes to things like text, fingers, and feet. You’ve got to be on the lookout!

Audio generated by AI often sounds a little flat, with weird pronunciations and odd pacing. So if you’re seeing something that makes you raise an eyebrow, do a little digging! Does it seem likely that a candidate would act that way? If folks appear out of character in a video or photo, it’s worth double-checking. “Are they cursing, saying outlandish things that do not make sense in the context?” Sponcia asks, and it’s a great question to consider.

Local Elections: Misinformation is a Real Issue

Speaking of local concerns, Chris Davis, Knox County’s administrator of elections, is echoing the call for vigilance. He’s seen misinformation pop up that could influence voters. “We get this frequently — a polling place is closed when it’s really not, or the hours changed when they really haven’t,” he shares. That’s no small deal!

Davis encourages everyone to do their homework before voting day. “Check with reputable sources,” he advises. It’s crucial to step outside social media cliques and get your info straight from the horse’s mouth.

Where to Get Reliable Information

If you ever have a question about where to cast your ballot or any other election-related inquiries, reach out to the Knox County Election Commission at (865) 215-2480. Most counties have their own election commissions available to help, so don’t hesitate to ask! You can also visit the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website for more detailed information.

Stay Informed, Stay Skeptical

As you navigate this swirling sea of information, remember to keep your radar on high alert. If you do encounter a piece of content that seems “off,” consider using online tools like ZeroGPT to evaluate whether it might be AI-generated. At the end of the day, being an informed voter means doing your part to separate fact from fiction.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work! With a little skepticism and diligence, we can all make well-informed decisions come Election Day!