AI-genererade nyheter på Instagram : En undersökning av trovärdighet och källkritiska taktiker vid konsumtion av AI-genererad samhällsinformation

Sammanfattning

The increasing presence of AI-generated content in social media has transformed how users encounter and evaluate news. This study examines how young adults (aged 20–30) perceive the credibility of AI-generated news posts on Instagram, which source-critical strategies they employ, and how these strategies relate to their credibility assessments. The study is based on a quantitative survey with 36 respondents and uses a Likert-scale design to capture patterns in attitudes and behaviors. The results show that AI-generated news content is generally perceived as less credible than human-produced content. At the same time, respondents demonstrate a relatively high awareness of the risks associated with AI and digital manipulation. However, this awareness does not consistently translate into active verification practices. Instead, source-critical behavior is primarily characterized by quick and intuitive strategies, such as evaluating the source and reflecting on the possibility of manipulation, rather than systematic fact-checking. Visual elements play a significant role in credibility assessments. Respondents report that images and videos strongly influence their perception of trustworthiness, with AI-like visuals often triggering skepticism. Furthermore, credibility is found to be conditional: trust increases when information can be verified and decreases when verification is not possible. The findings are interpreted through theoretical frameworks such as the “liar’s dividend,” digital source-critical tactics, visual perception, and psychological inoculation. The study concludes that AI-generated news not only challenges the authenticity of information but also reshapes how users approach credibility in social media environments. Credibility is no longer assumed but actively constructed through interaction between content, platform, and user.