In Los Angeles this summer, immigration raids sparked days of street protests and a heavy government response — including curfews and the deployment of National Guard troops. What played out in Los Angeles was not unique. ADVERTISEMENTThe same incentives were visible in Los Angeles, where AI-generated protest clips and recycled footage spread quickly because outrage was rewarded more than accuracy. In both cases — as in Los Angeles — truth had to fight against algorithms designed to reward virality and profit, rather than accuracy. But the experience of Los Angeles suggests why it matters.