A Texas Woman’s Initiative to Combat AI Misinformation
In the wake of recent flooding in Texas, a digital strategist from Kerrville has taken it upon herself to educate the public on how to identify AI-generated content. Maria Joaquina, who works with small businesses to enhance their online presence, noticed a growing issue: misinformation spread through social media was becoming increasingly difficult to detect. This prompted her to launch an awareness campaign aimed at helping people spot fake images and videos.
Joaquina’s initiative began as a three-part series on her Facebook page, focusing on how to recognize AI-generated flood photos. The first part, titled “How to Spot a FAKE Flood Photo,” outlines key indicators that something might not be genuine. These include overly perfect details, strange lighting or shadows, repeated objects, excessive symmetry, and blurry or warped text. She also emphasized that flood waters are typically murky and dirty, not clean and clear as often depicted in AI-generated images.
The second part of the series, “AI Fake Flood Image Scams,” highlights the motivations behind these deceptive posts. Some accounts create AI-generated content to gain visibility and build spamming profiles for monetization. Others fabricate stories, such as claiming to be flood victims, to solicit donations or direct users to malicious websites. Additionally, some posts feature celebrities aiding in relief efforts, which can overshadow real information about volunteering and rescue operations.
Joaquina is also planning a follow-up series focused on identifying AI-generated videos, recognizing that the technology is advancing rapidly. She believes that digital literacy is essential, especially as AI becomes more sophisticated. “AI is developing so fast that it’s hard to keep up with the changes,” she said. “People who don’t work with AI regularly need to be aware of what they’re seeing online.”
Her campaign aims to bridge the gap in education surrounding AI, particularly for those who may not be familiar with the technology. Joaquina stressed that it’s okay to be fooled by AI, but it’s important to take responsibility when sharing content online. “Look before you share,” she advised. “Take a few seconds to evaluate if what you’re about to post might be misleading or harmful.”
Joaquina has been working in digital strategy for over a decade, with the past five years dedicated to supporting small businesses. She is currently studying Business Entrepreneurship and Media Communications at Georgetown University. Her goal is to empower others to use AI responsibly while being cautious of its potential misuse.
She also highlighted the importance of verifying content before sharing it, especially during times of crisis when accurate information is critical. “Real survivors and real information can get buried under viral content,” she explained. “It’s our responsibility to ensure that the right messages reach the right people.”
As AI continues to evolve, Joaquina hopes her efforts will contribute to a more informed public. By raising awareness and encouraging critical thinking, she aims to reduce the spread of misinformation and promote responsible online behavior. Her message is clear: in a world where AI can be both a powerful tool and a source of deception, vigilance and education are essential.