Anxiety and Misinformation: The Impact of AI-Generated Content

Experts indicate that the rise of AI-generated videos in Japan is significantly contributing to heightened anxiety among viewers, particularly in the context of increasing bear encounters. The Guardian reports that this surge in anxiety coincides with a record number of fatal bear attacks in Japan, where the country has seen 13 fatalities in bear attacks this year, more than double the previous high, and over 100 injuries.

With approximately 20,700 bear sightings reported nationwide between April and September, the fear is palpable. Experts warn that the influx of AI-generated content, particularly on platforms like TikTok, is exacerbating these fears.

A recent search by the Yomiuri Shimbun revealed that around 60% of 100 selected clips related to bear encounters were fabricated using OpenAI's video generation technology. These videos often feature realistic scenarios, such as bears attacking or interacting with humans, making it difficult for viewers to discern real incidents from fake ones.

This misinformation not only heightens public anxiety but also undermines government messaging about safely dealing with bear encounters. For instance, some videos depict people engaging with bears in dangerously inappropriate ways, such as feeding them, which contradicts established safety advice.

Shinsuke Koike, a professor at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, emphasized the dangers of feeding bears, stating that it can lead to bears losing their fear of humans. In addition, the blurring of natural boundaries between bear habitats and urban areas, exacerbated by rural depopulation and food shortages, has driven bears into closer proximity to human populations.

The government is facing challenges in managing public safety, as misinformation floods social media. Officials have had to issue denials of fabricated videos, clarifying that many reported incidents, like bears entering convenience stores, did not occur.

As public anxiety mounts, the implications on mental health are significant, highlighting how digital misinformation can amplify fear and create a sense of urgency that impacts daily life. This situation raises concerns about the broader psychological effects of rapidly evolving digital content and the challenges of discerning fact from fiction in an increasingly complex media landscape.