Artificial intelligence is increasingly reshaping the digital landscape, but its rapid advancement is also making it significantly more difficult for users to distinguish authentic online content from AI-generated material, according to a new international survey.
The survey, conducted among 1,500 respondents across Austria, Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States, found that AI-generated content is creating widespread uncertainty by reducing people’s ability to identify genuine information on the internet.
According to the findings, published by cybersecurity company Malwarebytes, nine out of ten respondents said they are sometimes unable to determine whether online content is real or artificially generated.
The company also reported growing concerns among users over their ability to recognise fraud conducted through smartphones, with many expressing less confidence in detecting scams than they did a year ago.
Overall, 88% of respondents said it has become increasingly difficult to determine whether digital content is authentic or AI-generated. A similar proportion also reported difficulty distinguishing legitimate communications from fraudulent ones, marking a significant increase from last year, when 66% said they struggled to identify scam communications.
The survey further revealed that one in four respondents had received at least one personalised scam message during the past 12 months.
Malwarebytes warned that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting artificial intelligence to leverage victims’ personal information and close relationships in sophisticated fraud schemes, contributing to growing concerns over identity theft and personal security.
The company added that AI-powered chat bots are increasingly blurring the line between genuine and fabricated content, making it more challenging for users to identify deception and reinforcing the need for greater digital awareness and stronger cybersecurity practices.
