Moral intuitions behind deepfake-related discussions in Reddit communities

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Authors: Dilrukshi Gamage, Hariharan Ravinthran, Kazutoshi Sasahara

Published: 2023-02-27 07:39:05+00:00

AI Summary

This research analyzes moral intuitions behind deepfake-related discussions on Reddit from 2018-2022 using Moral Foundations Theory (MFT). The study leverages the extended Moral Foundations Dictionary (eMFD) to quantify moral loadings in 101,869 Reddit posts, revealing prevalent moral foundations and their temporal trends.

Abstract

Deepfakes are AI-synthesized content that are becoming popular on many social media platforms, meaning the use of deepfakes is increasing in society, regardless of its societal implications. Its implications are harmful if the moral intuitions behind deepfakes are problematic; thus, it is important to explore how the moral intuitions behind deepfakes unfold in communities at scale. However, understanding perceived moral viewpoints unfolding in digital contexts is challenging, due to the complexities in conversations. In this research, we demonstrate how Moral Foundations Theory (MFT) can be used as a lens through which to operationalize moral viewpoints in discussions about deepfakes on Reddit communities. Using the extended Moral Foundations Dictionary (eMFD), we measured the strengths of moral intuition (moral loading) behind 101,869 Reddit posts. We present the discussions that unfolded on Reddit in 2018 to 2022 wherein intuitions behind some posts were found to be morally questionable to society. Our results may help platforms detect and take action against immoral activities related to deepfakes.

Key findings

Care/Harm was the most prevalent moral foundation, indicating community sensitivity to others' needs. Sanctity/Degradation, though least frequent, contained highly concerning immoral content. Moral intuitions varied over time, with 2022 showing a significant increase in Care/Harm and Loyalty/Betrayal, suggesting evolving community behaviors related to deepfakes.

Approach

The researchers used Moral Foundations Theory (MFT) as a framework to analyze moral viewpoints. They employed the extended Moral Foundations Dictionary (eMFD) and the eMFDscore Python package to measure the strength of moral intuitions (moral loadings) in Reddit posts and comments about deepfakes. Results were analyzed to identify dominant moral foundations and their changes over time.

Datasets

101,869 Reddit posts and comments related to "deepfake" from January 1, 2018, to September 1, 2022, collected using the Pushshift Reddit API.

Model(s)

eMFDscore (Python package) with the extended Moral Foundations Dictionary (eMFD) for text analysis.

Author countries

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