In 2025, social media experienced a profound transformation as AI-generated videos swiftly came to dominate platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. This explosion of AI-created video content blurred the boundaries between reality and fiction more than ever before, fundamentally changing how users engage with and interpret online material. The artificial intelligence–produced content was diverse, ranging from humorous and surreal scenes, such as fictitious rabbits bouncing on trampolines, to politically charged propaganda and highly sophisticated deepfakes of celebrities. Technological advances were central to this shift. Leading tech companies—including OpenAI with its video tool Sora, Google’s Veo, Meta’s MovieGen, ByteDance’s CapCut, and xAI’s Grok—pushed the limits of video generation technology. These tools, integrated within popular AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Meta AI, enabled everyday users without specialized expertise to produce incredibly realistic and engaging videos with just a few clicks. This democratization of video creation triggered a massive influx of AI-generated videos flooding social media feeds worldwide. The enormous volume of AI content profoundly shaped users’ perceptions and interaction patterns. Although many videos were openly artificial, they captivated audiences through entertainment value, emotional resonance, or provocative themes. The blend of visually compelling content and algorithm-driven targeting allowed advertisers to leverage AI videos effectively, driving significant revenue streams for social media platforms. Nevertheless, the rapid growth of AI-generated videos sparked controversy and concern. Environmental advocates highlighted the substantial energy consumption and carbon footprint tied to producing huge volumes of video content via complex AI models.

Additionally, the algorithms responsible for creating and distributing this content drew criticism for influencing public discourse, at times amplifying misinformation and divisive propaganda. This was particularly apparent in politically sensitive areas, including videos involving former President Donald Trump or racist material circulating in countries like France. Researchers and experts warned about the wider societal consequences of this trend. The ubiquity of AI-generated videos promoting distorted narratives or “alternative facts” presents a serious threat to society’s shared grasp of reality. Such widespread misinformation undermines the foundations of truth and accountability critical to democratic systems. Moreover, the role of social media platforms and tech companies in preventing harm and maintaining ethical norms has become a central issue of debate among policymakers and civil society. In conclusion, the surge of AI-generated video content in 2025 was a turning point in social media history. While this technology expanded creative opportunities and entertained millions, it also introduced significant challenges relating to environmental impact, misinformation spread, and social trust. Addressing these complex issues demands concerted collaboration among technology developers, platform operators, regulators, and users to balance innovation with integrity and sustainability. As AI continues to evolve, the discourse surrounding its effects on media, politics, and culture gains increasing urgency and significance.