Judgment in the Age of AI · Article 18
Immediately after an event, demand for information is highest while reliable information is scarcest. AI-generated images, captions, translations and “live summaries” can fill the gap quickly, and can also package speculation as development. Speed itself becomes a risk factor.
Sort information into three baskets
| Basket | Content | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed | Several credible sources or the responsible authority have confirmed it | Use it with a visible timestamp |
| Single-source | Only an eyewitness account, anonymous message or one video | Keep it as an observation, not a conclusion |
| Untraceable | Screenshot, retelling, AI narration or edited fragment | Do not share or fill gaps with imagination |
A timestamp matters more than “latest”
Conditions can change within hours. Record publication and update times; do not treat an early casualty figure, route, warning or statement as the current position. A screenshot without a link and time deserves reduced confidence.
Check the purpose before forwarding
- Who can act more safely because of this information?
- Who could be harmed or confused if it is wrong?
- Can the original link from the responsible authority be shared instead?
During breaking news, verified information shared a few minutes later is usually more valuable than being first with a compelling false story.
References
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