The Media Literacy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Symposium took place on April 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts. The one-day event dove into the pressing issues shaping the media landscape today, including social media algorithms, news consumption, misinformation, generative AI and visual media literacy.
The featured talks by three distinguished communication scholars unpacked the complexities of digital communication in the modern era. Dr. Kjerstin Thorson of Michigan State University explored "Digital Platforms, Algorithms, and the Future of News Consumption," shedding light on the evolving dynamics of how we receive and interpret news. Dr. Jevin West from the University of Washington addressed the critical topic of "Misinformation was Already Challenging – Then Came Generative AI," highlighting the challenges and implications of AI in the dissemination of information. Dr. Cuihua (Cindy) Shen of the University of California, Davis, rounded out the discussion with insights into "From Photoshop to Midjourney: Building Resilience Against Visual Misinformation," offering strategies to combat visual deception in the digital age.
In addition to these expert talks, the symposium featured a panel discussion titled “Research and Policy of Media and AI Literacy in Nebraska,” led by UNL researchers and community partners. This session helped to foster a deeper understanding of the local implications of media and AI literacy, encouraging dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders.
Attendees also had the opportunity to engage in breakout discussions and networking sessions, which provided a platform for in-depth conversation and the exchange of ideas. The symposium offered meaningful perspectives on the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in media for academics, industry professionals, students and concerned citizens alike.
