QAA Podcast New Disinformation and Old Diseases feat. Anna Merlan (E328)
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Jun 15, 2025 Anna Merlan, a journalist from Mother Jones, dives into the murky waters of disinformation and public health policy. She discusses how AI-generated content complicates our grasp of reality, especially during events like the recent LA protests. The conversation reveals the disturbing ties between the RFK Jr.-connected MAHA Institute and extremist ideologies, underscoring the alarming rise of anti-vax sentiments. Merlan highlights the absurdity of trusting AI for health advice, like treating typhus with apple cider vinegar, shedding light on the growing distrust in established vaccine protocols.
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AI Blurs Line Between Real and Fake
- AI deepfakes are increasingly used to create realistic but fake videos of protests, adding layers to disinformation.
- Real images are often mislabeled as fake by AI, confusing public perception of truth.
Recycled Disinfo Fuels Misinformation
- Protest disinformation recycles old images and creates false narratives like Soros-funded agitators and fake Craigslist ads.
- Such recycled falsehoods exploit familiar tropes to mislead and sow confusion.
Detecting AI Fake Videos
- AI-generated videos can be detected by errors like incorrect name tapes and nonsensical uniform details.
- Despite efforts to flag fakes, many people believe AI fabrications, showing trust issues with media.
