6 research outputs found
Factuality Challenges in the Era of Large Language Models
The emergence of tools based on Large Language Models (LLMs), such as
OpenAI's ChatGPT, Microsoft's Bing Chat, and Google's Bard, has garnered
immense public attention. These incredibly useful, natural-sounding tools mark
significant advances in natural language generation, yet they exhibit a
propensity to generate false, erroneous, or misleading content -- commonly
referred to as "hallucinations." Moreover, LLMs can be exploited for malicious
applications, such as generating false but credible-sounding content and
profiles at scale. This poses a significant challenge to society in terms of
the potential deception of users and the increasing dissemination of inaccurate
information. In light of these risks, we explore the kinds of technological
innovations, regulatory reforms, and AI literacy initiatives needed from
fact-checkers, news organizations, and the broader research and policy
communities. By identifying the risks, the imminent threats, and some viable
solutions, we seek to shed light on navigating various aspects of veracity in
the era of generative AI.Comment: Our article offers a comprehensive examination of the challenges and
risks associated with Large Language Models (LLMs), focusing on their
potential impact on the veracity of information in today's digital landscap
The tactics and tropes of the Internet Research Agency
This report summarizes a review of an expansive data set of social media posts and metadata provided by Facebook, Twitter, and Alphabet (Google), plus a set of related ata, to serve as evidence for an investigation into the Internet Research Agency (IRA) influence operations. It includes an overview of Russian influence operations, a collection of summary statistics, and a set of key takeaways. Some of the key observations noted in the report include:
The threat remains; there is evidence of continued interference operations on several platforms.
Although Instagram, a photo and video-sharing social networking site owned by Facebook, was a significant platform for the IRA the report notes that it is not often mentioned as a key battleground on social media.
Black-American communities seem to have been specifically targeted, with the IRA focused on “developing Black audiences and recruiting Black Americans as assets.”
Voter suppression tactics included [1] malicious misdirection; [2] candidate support redirection; and [3] and voter turnout suppression.
Operations included biases for presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton, and other prominent figures including Sens. Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Lindsay Graham, John McCain, and Dr. Ben Carson
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Promoting COVID-19 vaccine acceptance: recommendations from the Lancet Commission on Vaccine Refusal, Acceptance, and Demand in the USA
Since the first case of COVID-19 was identified in the USA in January, 2020, over 46 million people in the country have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Several COVID-19 vaccines have received emergency use authorisations from the US Food and Drug Administration, with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine receiving full approval on Aug 23, 2021. When paired with masking, physical distancing, and ventilation, COVID-19 vaccines are the best intervention to sustainably control the pandemic. However, surveys have consistently found that a sizeable minority of US residents do not plan to get a COVID-19 vaccine. The most severe consequence of an inadequate uptake of COVID-19 vaccines has been sustained community transmission (including of the delta [B.1.617.2] variant, a surge of which began in July, 2021). Exacerbating the direct impact of the virus, a low uptake of COVID-19 vaccines will prolong the social and economic repercussions of the pandemic on families and communities, especially low-income and minority ethnic groups, into 2022, or even longer. The scale and challenges of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign are unprecedented. Therefore, through a series of recommendations, we present a coordinated, evidence-based education, communication, and behavioural intervention strategy that is likely to improve the success of COVID-19 vaccine programmes across the USA