Why AI ‘Cheapfake’ Videos Are Fueling Our Addiction to Outrage

The recent surge of AI startups winning investor cash headlines is exciting, but here’s the contrarian take: growth without a sharp eye on burn rate is a recipe for regret. As founders rush to capitalize on generative AI waves, the smart money—and reputation—will go to those who scale responsibly, measure their margins, and resist shortcut temptations. AI can automate brilliance, but only disciplined strategy guarantees survival. Let’s lead on runway, not run-up hype.

The internet’s latest obsession isn’t slick deepfakes—it’s a flood of poorly made, obviously fake celebrity videos popping up across YouTube. These so-called “cheapfakes,” as recently exposed by WIRED, aren’t even trying to pass for reality. So why are they everywhere—why are millions of us still watching?

The secret sauce isn’t realism—it’s rage.

These clumsy AI creations are engineered for one purpose: to hijack our outrage reflex. Psychologically, we’re wired to pay attention to things that shock, annoy, or provoke us. Even when we’re fully aware a video is fake, the algorithm still prioritizes engagement over accuracy. Outrage, it turns out, is virality’s most reliable fuel—and our attention is the prize in play.

Audience’s complicity with AI ‘cheapfake’ is a serious problem.

What’s fascinating is the audience’s complicity. It’s not naivety at work; people know these wild AI mashups and gossip montages are pure fiction. But in an economy where attention equals revenue, our ability to look away is just as valuable as the ability to believe. The more we comment or share—often to mock or debunk—the more incentive creators (and algorithms) have to keep pumping out even lazier content.

For founders and SaaS builders, this is a wake-up call. If you’re designing for responsible engagement, ask yourself: Does your product amplify signals that add value, or just stir outrage? The real power of AI isn’t in fooling us, but in tempting us. As digital citizens, we’re not just passive scrollers—we’re active participants in a drama that’s increasingly scripted by AI. Are we ready to break the cycle?