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Former Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has warned against the growing misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) on social media.
Runsewe said AI is not inherently harmful, but could be exploited to misinform, misinform and spread false narratives, thereby posing threats to peace and social stability.
He noted that AI is freely available and could improve communication, research, content creation and solutions to difficult problems if used responsibly.
However, he said its unguided use could become a major hindrance to society, particularly through the creation and circulation of fake images and invented content.
According to him, such content could cause serious damage to families, social institutions and the government, while at the same time creating tensions in society.
“AI’s false images and rumors are capable of tearing families apart, creating social tensions, fueling interreligious and interethnic conflicts, and even discrediting and destabilizing the government,” Runsewe said.
He advised Nigerians to be wary of information spread on social media, stressing the need to verify such information before accepting or sharing it.
Runsewe cited widespread AI-generated rumors and cloned images of prominent political figures and other members of society circulating online as examples of AI’s ability to mislead.
He also decried the negative impact of artificial intelligence on higher education institutions, particularly students’ growing reliance on technology for homework and research.
According to him, over-reliance on artificial intelligence has promoted plagiarism, intellectual laziness, lack of originality and producing graduates without adequate knowledge and skills.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, Runsewe warned against AI-generated content deliberately designed to heat up the political system and create social tension.
He called on stakeholders in the electoral process to develop proactive and effective information dissemination strategies to counter false narratives made public.
Runsewe also advocated greater use of conventional media to disseminate relevant and credible information in a timely manner and prevent rumours, fake news and sensational reports.
“Members of the public should carefully review any information coming from social media and cross-check it with relevant government agencies rather than swallowing it hook, line and sinker.
“Artificial intelligence, an innovative technology in the global information and communications system, can be counterproductive in Nigeria if citizens consume social media information without adequate oversight,” Runsewe said.
(NAN)
