Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become deeply embedded in our daily lives. It has been present for quite some time, albeit mostly behind the scenes. Over the past decade, AI was there every time we searched the internet, browsed Netflix, or utilized navigation apps. It played a role in enhancing our photos and videos with filters and effects. However, it's the emergence of "generative" AI in recent years that has truly highlighted the transformative potential of this technology. Generative AI refers to the capability of AI to create new things, such as written text, images, videos, or even computer code, based on examples it has learned. Notably, we have seen fun examples like Deep Fake Tom Cruise and Pope in a Puffer Jacket. The release of ChatGPT and image creation tools like Stable Diffusion and Midjourney has further democratized generative AI, making it accessible even to individuals with minimal technical knowledge. This accessibility has given rise to a significant dilemma. Misinformation and fake news already plague our society, and the misuse of technology to spread slander and falsehoods is increasingly common. As generative AI becomes more sophisticated and widespread, it becomes challenging to discern what is real and what is not. We are entering an era where "seeing is not always believing. " Society has witnessed concerted efforts, from political events to the spread of disinformation campaigns, aimed at manipulating and distorting reality using techniques like deepfakes. Deepfakes are particularly alarming as they enable the creation of convincing videos or audio that appear genuine but are entirely fabricated. People can be tricked into believing false narratives, politicians can be ridiculed and shamed, and unsuspecting individuals can become victims of revenge or non-consensual pornography. Moreover, generative AI has flooded social media platforms with AI-generated songs and content that blurs the line between reality and fiction. Given these potential consequences, it is crucial to understand the ethical implications of this technology's widespread adoption.

We need to find a way to address the challenges without stifling the positive potential of AI. Trust and regulation will play vital roles in building an effective response. Trust is foundational in various aspects of life. We rely on trust in our elected leaders, friends, loved ones, and even in the developers of AI tools that use our data. Ensuring that we can trust the authenticity of what we see and hear is essential for making informed decisions about whom to trust. Regulators will need to enforce laws that prevent AI technology from being used for deception and manipulation, preserving public trust. An example is China's implementation of laws that prohibit deepfakes and disruptive AI technologies. These laws also require creators of synthetic content to clearly label it as such. However, there is a risk that overly stringent regulation suffocates the innovative potential of AI. Alternate approaches focused on developing digital literacy, promoting critical evaluation of digital content, and investing in human fact-checking initiatives can complement regulation. It is also worth exploring technological solutions that can detect AI-generated content and deepfakes, thus mitigating the dissemination of misinformation. Striking a balance between addressing the dangers and promoting the benefits of AI is a complex challenge that requires a comprehensive strategy. By incorporating critical thinking, fact-checking, and technological advancements, we can navigate this path more effectively. The next five years are crucial as we adapt to this world-changing technology and grapple with its implications. Therefore, it is imperative for anyone involved in AI, whether as a user, creator, legislator, or beneficiary, to engage with the underlying questions and be part of shaping the future of AI responsibly.