In today’s fast-paced world, keeping up with reliable information can feel like a full-time job, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence. To help us all navigate this tricky landscape, the University of Miami’s School of Communication is taking a proactive step. They’re hosting a forum called “Artificial Information: Communication Literacy in the 21st Century” on April 25 at the Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science on the Coral Gables Campus.
Karin Wilkins, the dean of the School of Communication, puts it simply: “In an era of cascading and misleading information, our best defense is to cultivate critical communication literacy, enabling citizens to make informed choices.” It’s true—AI has added layers of complexity to how we access and share knowledge. But with the right tools and education, we can rise to the challenge.
This forum is part of a larger effort to equip us with the skills needed to spot misinformation. The School of Communication even offers a minor in communication literacy and an online course that anyone can take. They’ve invited librarians from across the state to join in, hoping they’ll take these lessons back to their communities.
Heidi Carr, an assistant professor and part of the organizing team, notes how news often reaches us through social media these days. “We’re in unprecedented times. People trust paid influencers over vetted independent media,” she says. AI can easily clone voices or create deepfakes, making it even more crucial to learn how to spot altered media.
The event’s lineup includes some impressive names. Anusha Alikhan from the Wikimedia Foundation will kick off the morning with a keynote speech. In the afternoon, Mike Caulfield, author of “Verified: How to Think Straight, Get Duped Less,” will take the stage.
There are also two breakout sessions planned. One focuses on “The Importance of Third-Party Fact-Checkers,” and the other is an interactive discussion called “WTP (What the Prompt): AI Literacy.” Expect to hear from experts like Dana Banker, Katie Sanders, Kim Voet, and Pamela Morris.
If you’re part of the University community, you can join this insightful event. Just make sure to reserve your seat online by April 21. With support from the Knight Foundation and other sponsors, this forum aims to nurture a generation that’s savvy with media.
