THE INFLUENCE OF AI-GENERATED FAKE NEWS ON MILITARY COMMUNICATION: A CASE STUDY OF THE TITU FIREFIGHTERS’ DETACHMENT
THE INFLUENCE OF AI-GENERATED FAKE NEWS ON MILITARY COMMUNICATION: A CASE STUDY OF THE TITU FIREFIGHTERS’ DETACHMENT
Claudiu Gabriel STAN, Valentina Ofelia ROBESCU
“Valahia” University of Targoviste, Targoviste, Romania
claudiugabby@yahoo.com
robescu_ofelia@yahoo.com
Abstract: The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has significantly transformed the information ecosystem, enabling the large-scale production and dissemination of highly convincing synthetic content. Within the context of emergency response institutions, this phenomenon raises critical concerns regarding the integrity of communication, operational efficiency, and public trust. This study examines the influence of AI-generated fake news on military-style communication structures, focusing on a case study of the firefighters’ detachment in Titu, Romania. The research is based on a structured questionnaire administered to operational and administrative personnel within the unit, aiming to assess their perceptions, experiences, and level of preparedness in relation to digital disinformation. The study explores key dimensions such as awareness of fake news, perceived risks associated with AI-generated misinformation, the ability to distinguish between authentic and fabricated information, and the perceived effectiveness of institutional communication mechanisms in countering false narratives. Preliminary findings indicate a high level of concern among respondents regarding the growing difficulty of differentiating between real and AI-generated information, as well as the potential of fake news to undermine public confidence and complicate crisis management. The results also highlight a perceived need for enhanced training programmes, improved communication strategies, and more rapid and transparent institutional responses to misinformation. Furthermore, social media platforms are identified as primary vectors for the dissemination of false information, amplifying the challenges faced by emergency services during critical interventions. The study contributes to the broader academic discourse on information security and crisis communication by providing empirical insights from a frontline emergency response unit. It underscores the necessity of integrating digital literacy and disinformation resilience into professional training frameworks, as well as strengthening inter-institutional coordination in combating AI-driven fake news. Ultimately, the research emphasises that maintaining credible, timely, and authoritative communication is essential for preserving operational effectiveness and public trust in emergency response systems.
Keywords: AI-generated Fake News; Emergency Communication; Disinformation; Firefighters; Crisis Management.
JEL Classification: D80; D83; H56; L86.
