Writer Deborah Vankin was shocked to find out that scammers had fabricated her obituary online to generate ad revenue. This incident sheds light on the growing trend of AI-generated clickbait obituaries spreading misinformation and alarm. Google has implemented new policies to combat obituary spam and low-quality content, but experts warn that the use of AI technology may worsen these deceptive practices.
Key Points
Deborah Vankin, a journalist, discovered a fake obituary about herself, highlighting the impact of AI-generated clickbait obituaries
Scammers use AI to create death announcements to drive clicks and ad revenue, contributing to the spread of misinformation
Google has implemented new policies to combat obituary spam and low-quality content but experts warn of the challenges posed by evolving AI technology
Pros
Raises awareness about the issue of fake obituaries and clickbait content online
Highlights the importance of verifying information before believing in it
Cons
Causes distress and confusion to the individuals falsely reported as deceased
Undermines the credibility of online content and news sources