When the Truth Is Twisted: Can AI Become the Fair Witness We Desperately Need?
In a world where media bias and misinformation dominate, can AI offer a fairer perspective? How can we be vigilant news consumers in the age of polarization—and why the ancient call for "true witness" matters more than ever.
Liz B. Baker - Richmond, VA
Earlier this week, I researched an event that unfolded in the United States in the 1920s that shook communities to their core.
The events were driven by existing tensions;
Exacerbated by envy;
And pushed over the edge by reckless media sensationalism.
As I revisited that painful event, I wondered: How much damage has been inflicted throughout history because of false, biased, or manipulated narratives?
The ancient directive from the Ten Commandments, "Do not bear false witness," has never been more relevant. Regardless of religious views, surely we can all agree that truthful representation is foundational for a healthy society. Yet today, in a world dominated by 24-hour news cycles, social media soundbites, and algorithmic amplification, honest witness seems increasingly elusive.
Anyone can give a false witness. It takes intentionality, integrity, and ethics to give a truthful one.
Media Anxiety and the Crisis of Credibility
Tonight, I listened to an NPR discussion about growing election-related anxiety in the United States. Interestingly, NPR reflected on how media coverage itself may be stoking this unease. This introspection struck a chord: The media's role in framing reality is immense, yet how often does it genuinely strive for objectivity?
This isn’t to say that all news outlets peddle lies or that every journalist has a hidden agenda. But we shouldn’t ignore the reality: misinformation, bias, and agenda-driven reporting are rampant. Whether it’s the sensationalism that drives ratings or the unconscious biases that color editorial decisions, the end result is the same—a fractured, increasingly polarized public.
Is AI a Fairer Witness Than We Are?
As an advocate for artificial intelligence, I’m no stranger to hearing concerns about ethical AI and AI bias. Critics often point out that AI systems can reflect societal prejudices, and they aren’t wrong. However, when I compare AI-generated information to the bias-riddled media landscape, a compelling case can be made: AI, especially models trained on diverse and global datasets, often offers a more balanced perspective than traditional outlets.
No, this doesn’t mean AI is flawless—far from it. But what AI does provide is an amalgamation of myriad viewpoints. And, so far, AI lacks the human motives—such as profit or political allegiance—that drive certain biases. As a result, for the U.S. audience in particular, I’ve observed that AI often presents a less skewed, more comprehensive view of reality. I hope we can protect that.
Using AI to Fact-Check and Seek Balance
Here’s where AI can help increase the truth of your testimony. Next time you encounter a headline or sound byte:
Ask an AI model to fact-check it.
Ask AI to provide both sides of the story.
Ask AI to explain the arguments for and against a specific policy or controversial event.
While AI may not be perfect, it can reveal multiple angles on an issue, providing a more nuanced and educated understanding. And by leveraging AI to uncover multiple perspectives, you empower yourself to make better, more informed, and more balanced judgments. This doesn’t absolve you from further research, but it adds a robust tool to your fact-checking arsenal.
The Burden of Bearing True Witness
Despite technological advances, AI cannot shoulder the burden of truth alone. We, as consumers of information, must rise to the responsibility of discerning truth from falsehood. This means cultivating a rigorous, critical approach to media. I know I’m being painfully obvious here, and that it goes without saying:
Think before you share: Ask: “Is this the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?” Take it seriously.
Cross-check sources: Don’t accept narratives at face value. Dig deeper, explore opposing viewpoints, and verify the facts.
Acknowledge biases: Every source has them, both positive and negative, and so do you. Understanding these biases helps us contextualize information. (Read my article about why we WANT bias in AI.)
Diversify your news diet: Like eating different foods for a balanced diet, consuming diverse media gives a fuller picture of reality.
Use AI for balance: Leverage AI models to check facts or explore all sides of an issue, enhancing your ability to see the full picture. One of the beautiful aspects of AI is that you can ask it a slew of questions and it’s not going to judge you or get emotional.
In today’s world, where trust in media is, rightfully, at an all-time low, it’s our duty to be vigilant and well-informed. Really. That’s not an empty platitude. After all, when the media fails to bear true witness, we must take up the mantle ourselves. AI may assist, but the ultimate responsibility lies with us.
P.S. We must also ensure that AI sources remain as untethered as possible to individual and organizational greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth. This is one of the reasons I urge everyone to seek AI education and community through organizations like AI Ready RVA to help guide the ethical evolution of AI. As I often say, “I want people to be involved in the evolution of AI so that AI happens for us and not to us.”
Thanks for Reading!
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Liz B. Baker is the Founder of Nimbology and serves as the Community Engagement Chair on the Board of Directors for AI Ready RVA. She specializes in leadership + AI consulting, driving transformative impact across Fortune 500s, SMBs, nonprofits, and startups. Connect with Liz on LinkedIn to explore how AI can elevate your organization.