Social media has undeniably connected individuals all over the world and established a sense of community among people. However, this interconnectedness comes with its own set of challenges, like the proliferation of online harassment, hate speech, and the distribution of unsafe content.
According to the Microsoft 2023 online safety survey, 69 percent of the respondents globally said they faced online risks including misinformation, disinformation, cyberbullying, and threats of violence, underscoring the broad challenges in the digital landscape.
To make the online experience safer, tech giants are turning to technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, which can become a game-changer in making social media safer. From automatic content moderation and personalised recommendations to the ads we watch and beyond, AI can reshape the way we interact and connect online. Here’s how!
How does AI aid in the prevention of cybersecurity threats?
With the ability to recognise patterns and perform proactive actions on the user’s behalf, AI gives users tools to add an extra layer of protection from online threats. AI algorithms in social media provide continuous monitoring of content, which is essential for modern cybersecurity.
These tools identify and detect attacks in real time and can automate the incident response process. They can also help human security experts identify emerging threats and trends, enabling them to take preventative action in time.
On the other hand, machine learning algorithms are capable of identifying anomalous behaviour patterns and flagging suspicious login attempts, making it easier to identify potential security breaches. AI-powered solutions can also be used to improve password management by identifying weak passwords and requiring users to choose stronger ones.
AI promoting safer social media communities
AI is revolutionising the online landscape by establishing secure environments for people to connect in a variety of ways. Here are a few ways AI has transformed online space:
AI-powered content moderation
By sifting through extensive user-generated content to identify and filter out potentially harmful material that violates community guidelines, AI plays a significant role. Through image and video recognition algorithms, platforms can automatically detect and eliminate inappropriate or harmful content, thereby mitigating the risk of exposure to offensive material. This proactive approach is instrumental in creating a safer space for users.
Real-time threat detection
AI-driven tools excel in real-time threat detection. Whether it’s identifying potential instances of doxxing, threats of violence, or other harmful behaviour, AI can swiftly analyse user interactions and content to mitigate risks. This capability is vital for maintaining a secure online environment and protecting the well-being of users.
Personalised safety settings
AI systems can assess user preferences and actions to deliver personalised safety settings. This includes tailoring content moderation settings based on individual preferences and sensitivities, providing users with more control over their online experience. By providing users with granular control over their digital experience, AI contributes to a more empowering and user-centric platform.
Combating misinformation and fake accounts
AI-powered fact-checking tools combat the proliferation of fake news on social media by verifying content authenticity and flagging misleading information. This preserves platform credibility, aids user decision-making, and efficiently identifies and removes fake accounts, contributing to a more genuine and trustworthy online environment.
Challenges in AI-powered social media safety
While AI is a game-changer in terms of protecting individuals from online threats, it is not without its own set of challenges. Here are some of the challenges that users might face with AI-powered online social media safety:
Algorithmic bias and fairness: One of the primary challenges in AI moderation is the potential for bias in algorithms. If not carefully designed, these systems may inadvertently discriminate against certain groups. Ongoing efforts in the tech industry focus on addressing bias to ensure fair and unbiased content moderation.
Balancing free speech and safety: Striking the right balance between allowing free expression and preventing harm is a nuanced challenge. AI systems must be fine-tuned to recognise context and distinguish between harmless discussions and potentially harmful content. Achieving this balance requires continuous refinement of AI algorithms.
AI stands as a formidable force in shaping the safety landscape of social media. Its ability to analyse vast amounts of data in real time, coupled with ongoing innovations, positions AI as a crucial ally in the quest for secure digital spaces.
While challenges persist, collaborative efforts, ethical considerations, and user education will play pivotal roles in harnessing AI’s full potential in safeguarding online communities. As technology advances, so does the promise of a safer and more inclusive digital world, where AI serves as a proactive monitor against online threats.
The article is by Zeebee Siwiec, chief technology officer, coto.