The latest social media app, Sora, was launched by the creators of ChatGPT on Tuesday, aiming to capture the attention of users currently engrossed in short video content on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Meta-owned Instagram and Facebook.
Sora, available exclusively on iPhones, enables users to create a wide range of videos in various styles, from anime to hyper-realistic, showcasing their creativity. However, concerns have arisen about the influx of AI-generated content flooding social media platforms, potentially overshadowing authentic human creativity and disrupting the information ecosystem.
The rise of sophisticated AI-generated videos capable of deceiving viewers has been observed, with instances like a viral video on Facebook depicting the CN Tower on fire, which caused shock among some viewers who believed it to be real. From harmless videos of bunnies on trampolines to misleading depictions of wildfires, AI-generated content has led to instances of misinformation on social media.
Sora’s official launch video features an AI-generated version of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in surreal settings like a psychedelic forest and a stadium filled with cheering fans witnessing rubber duck races. The app, currently available in the U.S. and Canada on Apple devices, offers personalized video recommendations based on user engagement.
Meta also introduced its own AI short-form video feed called Vibes within the Meta AI app, showcasing cartoon versions of personalities like CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other whimsical content. Both Sora and Vibes focus on delivering tailored video content to users based on their preferences.
Critics, such as Jose Marichal, a political science professor at California Lutheran University, express concerns about the dominance of AI-generated content in online spaces, emphasizing the importance of an information environment grounded in truth and trust to facilitate informed decision-making in society.
In response to these concerns, OpenAI addressed issues of excessive screen time, addiction, and biased feeds, stating its commitment to periodically assess user well-being and prioritize content from known connections over strangers. Sora allows users to incorporate copyrighted material into their videos, a move that may face opposition from copyright holders like Disney.
OpenAI has engaged in discussions with copyright holders, including Disney, regarding their opt-out policy for copyrighted content on the app. The company has advocated for applying fair use principles to AI development, arguing that it is vital for American competitiveness and national security in the AI sector. Additionally, OpenAI has implemented safeguards to prevent unauthorized use of public figures’ likenesses and requires explicit consent for their inclusion in AI-generated videos.