Communication experts gather to navigate artificial intelligence

In an age saturated with digital content, distinguishing between fact and fabrication has never been more critical. The rapid advancement and pervasive use of artificial intelligence (AI) have introduced unprecedented challenges, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to discern trustworthy information from misleading narratives. This growing confusion about what to believe and what to dismiss directly impacts our ability to make informed decisions in every aspect of life.

Navigating the AI Information Landscape

We are currently experiencing a seismic shift in how information is produced and consumed. Social media, once a platform for connection, has become a primary news source for many, particularly younger generations. However, the reliance on influencers over independent, vetted media sources creates a precarious landscape where trust is easily eroded. This challenge is further compounded by the sophisticated misuse of AI.

Generative AI tools now allow for the effortless cloning of voices, the creation of highly convincing "deepfakes," and the subtle alteration of videos. Our innate human tendency to trust what we see and hear with our own eyes and ears makes us particularly vulnerable to such manipulated content. It demands a new level of media vigilance and a conscious effort to develop what experts call critical communication literacy.

Empowering the Public: The Communication Literacy Forum

Recognizing this urgent need, the University of Miami School of Communication is taking a proactive stance to empower the public. They are leading efforts to cultivate enhanced communication literacy, a vital skill set for navigating the complexities of the 21st-century information ecosystem. A significant initiative in this endeavor is the upcoming forum, "Artificial Information: Communication Literacy in the 21st Century."

This one-day event is designed to equip attendees with the tools and insights necessary to combat the onslaught of misinformation and disinformation. As Dean Karin Wilkins aptly states, "In an era of cascading and misleading information, our best defense is to cultivate critical communication literacy, enabling citizens to make informed choices." The forum aims to meet the challenge posed by generative AI by fostering a robust understanding of knowledge production and distribution.

Beyond the Forum: A Broader Commitment to Education

The forum is not an isolated event but rather a key component of the School of Communication's ongoing commitment to fostering communication literacy. For undergraduate students, the school offers a dedicated minor in communication literacy, providing in-depth training in media analysis and critical thinking. Furthermore, an online course is available to the wider public, extending vital knowledge beyond the university campus. This holistic approach ensures that valuable insights reach a diverse audience, from students to community leaders.

Conference organizers have specifically extended invitations to librarians from across the state, hoping they will serve as catalysts, returning to their respective communities to facilitate similar educational sessions. This ripple effect strategy underscores the forum's broader mission: to build a more informed and discerning citizenry nationwide.

Insights from Leading Experts

The forum promises an enriching experience, featuring an impressive lineup of experts from both journalism and AI fields. Their collective aim is to lead crucial dialogues on how to rebuild trust in media and explore the positive applications of AI within the communication industry.

Morning and Afternoon Keynotes:

• Anusha Alikhan, Chief Communication Officer at the Wikimedia Foundation, will deliver the morning keynote address, offering perspectives from a global organization dedicated to free knowledge.
• Mike Caulfield, author of the highly relevant book "Verified: How to Think Straight, Get Duped Less, and Make Better Decisions About What to Believe Online," will present the afternoon keynote, providing actionable strategies for online discernment.

Breakout Sessions: Practical Strategies for Discernment

Participants will engage in two highly practical breakout sessions:

1. The Importance of Third-Party Fact-Checkers:

This panel will feature a powerhouse of journalistic integrity, including Dana Banker, senior managing editor of the Miami Herald; Katie Sanders, editor-in-chief of PolitiFact; and Kim Voet, president and general manager of CBS News Miami. Moderated by Alee Quick, director of community engagement for the News Literacy Project, this session will underscore the indispensable role of independent verification in a saturated information environment. It will provide insights into how professional fact-checkers work and why their efforts are crucial for public trust.

2. WTP (What the Prompt): Interactive Discussion About AI Literacy:

Delving into the practicalities of AI, this interactive discussion will be led by Pamela Morris, associate professor of communication studies at Indiana University; Ching-Hua Chuan, assistant professor of interactive media at the University of Miami; and Hartmut Koenitz, professor in media technology at Södertörn University, Sweden. This session promises to demystify AI's operational aspects and equip attendees with a foundational understanding of how to critically engage with AI-generated content. Expect discussions on prompt engineering, identifying AI artifacts, and leveraging AI responsibly.

Secure Your Spot and Shape Your Information Future

This crucial event offers an unparalleled opportunity to deepen your understanding of communication literacy in the age of AI. The forum is free and open to the University community and the public, but seats are limited. Make sure to reserve your spot by April 21 to ensure your participation.

This initiative is made possible by the generous support of the Knight Foundation, the Maribel Perez Wadsworth and Christopher Wadsworth Speaker Series in Communication Literacy, and the Lynn and Louis II Wolfson Family Foundation Fund for New Media. Their commitment highlights the societal importance of fostering media literacy and critical thinking in an increasingly complex digital world.

Don't miss this chance to empower yourself with the knowledge needed to navigate the evolving information landscape, separate fact from fiction, and contribute to a more informed society. Your ability to critically assess information is your best defense against the challenges of artificial information.