Generative AI and Disinformation| Defining the Role(s) of AI in Disinformation Research—A Systematic Review

Abstract

This study examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the generation, dissemination, detection, and correction of online disinformation in political contexts. We conducted a systematic review of N = 123 scientific contributions from social and computer science to explore how AI contributes to the spread of disinformation, for example, through deepfakes and social bots, and its potential role in combating these challenges via detection algorithms and fact-checking systems. The review identifies significant gaps in empirical research, especially about the effectiveness of detection models in real-world applications and the limited exploration of multilingual and multimodal disinformation. Furthermore, the field has yet to fully integrate theoretical frameworks from communication science with computational perspectives, which is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of AI’s role in disinformation. The study underscores the need for interdisciplinary approaches that bridge computer and social sciences to better address the societal and political implications of AI-driven disinformation.