In this episode, Ryan and Michelle dive into the critical topic of disinformation, explaining its distinction from misinformation. They explore the historical context of disinformation, its modern amplification through technology like generative AI and DeepFakes, and the real-world impacts these technologies have already had. The discussion highlights the complexities of identifying and combating disinformation, the role of media literacy, and the importance of structural changes and educational reform. The episode underscores the necessity for vigilance, critical thinking, and informed consumption of information in the digital age.

References

Alba, D. (2023, May 22). Fake image of Pentagon explosion goes viral, briefly spooks markets. The New York Times.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/22/technology/pentagon-explosion-ai-image.html

Bulger, M., & Davison, P. (2018). The promises, challenges, and futures of media literacy. Journal of Media Literacy Education, 10(1), 1-21. https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/jmle/vol10/iss1/1/

Graham, T. (2023). The incredible creativity of deepfakes — and the worrying future of AI [Video]. TED Conferences.
 https://www.ted.com/talks/tom_graham_the_incredible_creativity_of_deepfakes_and_the_worrying_future_of_ai

Johnson, E., & Darnovsky, M. (2020). The disinformation dilemma [Audio podcast episode]. In Brave New Planet (Episode 2). Pushkin Industries.  https://bravenewplanet.fm/episodes/the-disinformation-dilemma

Marcelo, P. (2023, May 23). AI-generated image of Pentagon explosion triggers brief stock market dip. Associated Press.
https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-explosion-misinformation-stock-market-ai

Seitz-Wald, A., & Memoli, M. (2024, January 22). Fake Joe Biden robocall tells New Hampshire Democrats not to vote Tuesday. NBC News.  https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/fake-joe-biden-robocall-tells-new-hampshire-democrats-not-vote

Spies, S. (2020). Producers of disinformation. MediaWell.
https://mediawell.ssrc.org/research-reviews/producers-of-disinformation/