{"id":6170,"date":"2025-07-08T13:10:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T13:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/2025\/07\/08\/write-of-passage-dont-believe-your-lying-eyes\/"},"modified":"2025-07-08T13:10:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T13:10:00","slug":"write-of-passage-dont-believe-your-lying-eyes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/2025\/07\/08\/write-of-passage-dont-believe-your-lying-eyes\/","title":{"rendered":"Write of Passage: Don\u2019t Believe Your Lying Eyes"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--[if lt IE 9]><script>document.createElement('audio');<\/script><![endif]-->\n<audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-6170-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/api.substack.com\/feed\/podcast\/167792760\/78ebbdbb190102778c834a2ef69687c3.mp3?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/api.substack.com\/feed\/podcast\/167792760\/78ebbdbb190102778c834a2ef69687c3.mp3\">https:\/\/api.substack.com\/feed\/podcast\/167792760\/78ebbdbb190102778c834a2ef69687c3.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n<p>We\u2019ve all been worrying\u2014rightfully\u2014about AI stealing the work of artists and authors. That\u2019s a valid and growing concern. In March of this year, I found out that Meta\u2019s engine, according to <em>The Atlantic<\/em>, scraped 27 of my 28 published books.<\/p><div id=\"vanes-3573928592\" class=\"vanes-content vanes-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 2px;margin-right: 2px;margin-bottom: 2px;margin-left: 2px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/fireswordandsea.htm\" aria-label=\"Fire Sword &amp; Sea\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FireSwordSea_HC-scaled.jpg?fit=1706%2C2560&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Fire Sword &amp; Sea\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FireSwordSea_HC-scaled.jpg?w=1706&ssl=1 1706w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FireSwordSea_HC-scaled.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FireSwordSea_HC-scaled.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1 683w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FireSwordSea_HC-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1152&ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FireSwordSea_HC-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C1536&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FireSwordSea_HC-scaled.jpg?resize=1365%2C2048&ssl=1 1365w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FireSwordSea_HC-scaled.jpg?w=1280&ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" width=\"569\" height=\"853\"   \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>The only reason it didn\u2019t get March\u2019s release <em>A Wager at Midnight<\/em> was because it hadn\u2019t hit the shelves yet. Theft in broad daylight.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>But this goes deeper than just copyright violations. We\u2019re seeing something more insidious: the rise of AI-generated scams, fakery, and lies. And I\u2019m not talking about science fiction. I\u2019m talking about now.<\/p>\n<p>On platforms like TikTok and X, faked videos are being created and\/or shared with shocking ease\u2014videos that can ruin reputations, twist narratives, and even make the UK tabloid press bite and republish the lies for a wider international audience. I\u2019ve seen articles run in <em>The Daily Mail<\/em> that pose lies as questions, which gives dodgy accountability while still spreading misinformation. It\u2019s manipulation masquerading as curiosity. Yet many look at lying headlines and accept them as true.<\/p>\n<p>A report by Upwind published in December says that 87% of Americans are worried about being scammed by AI. That is a lot of people. It\u2019s a huge concern, especially when truth tellers are losing their jobs or seemingly capitulating because of fears of being sued, losing access, or targeted and harassed. The \u201cother side\u201d is not just lying but they are weaponizing the instruments that we are supposed to trust and inflicting consequences on anyone saying or writing something they disagree with.<\/p>\n<p>The Big Beautiful Lies<\/p>\n<p>I must say, the lies can be compelling. Let\u2019s look at an easy topic, travel. I mean, who doesn\u2019t want a travel guide? I buy them quite often for research on big cities or exotic locations.<\/p>\n<p>According to <em>Axios<\/em>, AI-generated travel guides, self-help books, and even mathematics are popular to scam. Now I have to say\u2014math is hard enough. Why are you going to use a robot to put up something that can hurt a kid\u2019s education. And please don\u2019t have my characters walking down the wrong streets.<\/p>\n<p>Yet the boldness of the lying is getting worse. People are using AI to write books and then publish them under real authors\u2019 names. Savannah Guthrie in 2024 was done so dirty. She wrote the book <em>Mostly What God Does<\/em>. Scammers using AI wrote workbooks, studies, and companion guides for her book and published them on Amazon under her name.<\/p>\n<p>Kara Swisher, the tech maven faced it too: fake \u201cbiographies\u201d about her own life showed up ahead of her memoir\u2019s release, <em>Burn Book<\/em>, in 2024. Jane Friedman details on her blog her own horror story, where a scammer used AI to write Friedman-like books, and then published those books under Friedman\u2019s name. And the proceeds went to the bots.<\/p>\n<p>These AI scams confuse real readers. They have the potential to damage reputations and dilute the credibility of authors\u2014an author\u2019s brand can take decades to build.<\/p>\n<p>Imagine what happens to a debut author whose idea has become popular on TikTok, getting beat to her book launch by an AI scam. And because debuts aren\u2019t yet industry names, they lose the credibility game.<\/p>\n<p>I used to think that AI scams were going to catch my grandma or folks not paying attention. Nope. AI is giving thieves the ability to put together more convincing emails and websites to ensnare everyone. It\u2019s not just grandma and Social Security, or the foreign soldiers needing help to get a fortune out of a war zone\u2014we\u2019re talking sophisticated scams that use AI to reconstruct your habits. They may be scanning emails or even listening to conversations through AI upgrades on things that shouldn\u2019t have AI at all.<\/p>\n<p>This is phishing on a whole new level. And we\u2019re all set up to be scammed. It\u2019s no longer going to be easy to tell a scam by bad grammar, doxing, or fraudulent websites. AI is making everything harder to detect. AI should be used to make things better, but in the hands of bots and scammers it is a nightmare.<\/p>\n<p><strong>No Free Rides or Shades<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I recently did a small brand deal for gummy vitamins. I choked on a cornflake as a kid\u2014swallowing is hard. And please don\u2019t even think of me taking anything that\u2019s a horse pill. Anyway, now I\u2019m getting little offers. Most of the offers that don\u2019t come from a collaborator\u2019s platform are probably scams. So there are no free sunglasses.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do we protect ourselves?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You can\u2019t trust your eyes anymore. Nor your ears\u2014AI can clone a voice. It can fake a face. It can forge a whole book.<\/p>\n<p>But you <em>can<\/em> protect yourself:<\/p>\n<p>* <strong>Verify Every Fact<\/strong> \u2013 Before you repeat or share get several sources. I want to say reputable, but that\u2019s hard to define right now.<\/p>\n<p>* <strong>Check Sources That Don\u2019t Agree With You<\/strong> \u2013 Find several and verify dates, times, etc. If they match, you have a fact. If they don\u2019t, you have a lie, a manipulation, or someone\u2019s opinion.<\/p>\n<p>* <strong>Search Smart<\/strong> \u2013 Check authors\u2019 websites, join their newsletter, and follow creatives on their official accounts before buying.<\/p>\n<p>* <strong>Report Scams<\/strong> \u2013 Don\u2019t stay silent. Amazon, TikTok, and the FTC need to hear from us.<\/p>\n<p>* <strong>Don\u2019t Be Ashamed<\/strong> \u2013 If you got scammed, tell someone. Put it on blast. Be someone else\u2019s keeper.<\/p>\n<p>* <strong>Check the FTC\u2019s Resources<\/strong> \u2013 The Federal Trade Commission is watching this space. The rules are there and often include ways of reporting issues.<\/p>\n<p>We are in an era where you can no longer believe your lying eyes. The truth takes longer to verify, and the fakers are only getting smarter.<\/p>\n<p>Artists, writers, creators: your work is valuable. But we must fight smarter and speak louder to help our readers and audiences find the truth. This is going to be a long battle, but we must not be silent. We can never let up the fight. Be vigilant while being creative.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Books to bring awareness of the problem are:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/parkbooksmd.com\/item\/p4eS1xxsEx4kL3MESrnB-w\"><strong><em>Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy<\/em><\/strong><\/a><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/parkbooksmd.com\/item\/p4eS1xxsEx4kL3MESrnB-w\"><strong> <\/strong><\/a><strong>by Cathy O\u2019Neil<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A sharp critique of how algorithms can be biased, dangerous, and largely invisible. It explains how AI systems make life-and-death decisions, often with no accountability.<\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/parkbooksmd.com\/item\/wCIDqQu6pg_V9awbVyApCA\"><strong><em>The Coming Wave: AI, Power, and Our Future<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>by <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Mustafa-Suleyman\/e\/B0C5FZWYM6\/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1\">Mustafa Suleyman<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>This book explores how fast-moving technologies\u2014especially AI\u2014can outpace regulation and become tools for manipulation, chaos, and control. It\u2019s a smart, accessible read on the dangers ahead.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>And of course lets aid:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/parkbooksmd.com\/item\/rPCoGQ_-yAVZSjry_flt2Q\"><strong><em>Burn Book<\/em><\/strong><\/a><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/parkbooksmd.com\/item\/rPCoGQ_-yAVZSjry_flt2Q\"><strong> <\/strong><\/a><strong>by Kara Swisher<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>A sharp, insider memoir exposing the rise of Silicon Valley\u2019s power players and how tech\u2019s promises turned into threats to truth, privacy, and democracy.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/parkbooksmd.com\/item\/Hr2HM-eYOBnssl4E9yMJ-w\"><strong><em>Mostly What God Does<\/em><\/strong><\/a><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/parkbooksmd.com\/item\/Hr2HM-eYOBnssl4E9yMJ-w\"><strong> <\/strong><\/a><strong>by Savannah Guthrie<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>A heartfelt collection of reflections on faith, love, and grace, offering spiritual encouragement grounded in everyday life.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Check out <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/janefriedman.com\/books\/\"><strong>Jane Friedman\u2019s Website<\/strong><\/a><strong> for her latest books.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>This week, I&#8217;m highlighting <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/parkbooksmd.com\/\"><strong>Park Books<\/strong><\/a><strong> through their website and <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/shop\/parkbooks\"><strong>Bookshop.org<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Help me build momentum for <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/fireswordandsea.htm\"><strong>Fire Sword and Sea<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u2014spread the word and preorder this disruptive narrative about female pirates in the 1600s. This sweeping saga releases January 13, 2026. The link on my website shows retailers large and small who have set up preorders for this title.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Show notes include a list of the books mentioned in this broadcast. Paid Subscribers Your Next Lesson on Build-A-Better-Character is coming this week.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>You can find my notes on Substack or on my website, <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vanessariley.com\/\"><strong>VanessaRiley.com<\/strong><\/a><strong> under the podcast link in the About tab.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Let&#8217;s keep growing and building together\u2014like, subscribe, and share. Please stay connected to <\/strong><strong><em>Write of Passage<\/em><\/strong><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Thank you for listening. Hopefully, you\u2019ll come again. This is Vanessa Riley<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This is a public episode. If you&#8217;d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/vanessariley.substack.com\/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#038;utm_campaign=CTA_2\">vanessariley.substack.com\/subscribe<\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"vanes-2145904160\" class=\"vanes-after-content vanes-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 3px;margin-right: 3px;margin-bottom: 3px;margin-left: 3px;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/SubstackAd.png?fit=1080%2C1350&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Listen to the Write of Passage Weekly Podcast\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/SubstackAd.png?w=1080&ssl=1 1080w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/SubstackAd.png?resize=240%2C300&ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/SubstackAd.png?resize=819%2C1024&ssl=1 819w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/SubstackAd.png?resize=768%2C960&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" width=\"540\" height=\"675\"   \/><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We\u2019ve all been worrying\u2014rightfully\u2014about AI stealing the work of artists and authors. That\u2019s a valid and growing concern. In March of this year, I found out that Meta\u2019s engine, according to The Atlantic, scraped 27 of my 28 published books. The only reason it didn\u2019t get March\u2019s release A Wager at Midnight was because it [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6201,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[81,793,9,620,756,694],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6170","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-personal-stories","category-politics","category-recommended-reading","category-syndication","category-technology","category-tv-and-film"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/5361f4e12510a8c2a4f70ea6683ec7cd-scaled.jpg?fit=1920%2C2560&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6170","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6170"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6170\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6201"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6170"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6170"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6170"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}