INSTRUMENTS FOR PREVENTING MEDIA DEPENDENCY AND FAKE NEWS USING AI

Abstract

The article examines the concept of media dependency and the actualization of media surfing problems in all its variations and possibilities of preventing its impact on human activity. The work also outlines the influence of media dependency on the skills of recognizing fake news and prevent its impact on psychological and mental health, the loss of which leads to negative consequences for the functioning of society as a whole. The classification of fakes, particularly based on geographic, temporal, and audiovisual facts that may be turned into disinformation using manipulative techniques, enables understanding the necessity of continuous updating media literacy programs that promote critical thinking, analysis, and evaluation of media content to prevent manipulating information. In turn, AI-based algorithms can monitor the spread pace of fake news on social media platforms and influence correction processes by limiting the reach of such content. Programs like Google Digital Wellbeing and Apple Screen Time provide insights into media usage patterns and help set limits on gadget usage time by sending notifications about the need for breaks and switching to offline activities. The article also discusses preventive measures of avoiding media dependency and the concept media hygiene, adherence to which may strengthen media immunity to the influence of fake news.