Mis/Disinformation, AI-Generated Content & Media Literacy

Overview
Equip yourself with the critical thinking skills, the practical and analytical tools needed to navigate a rapidly evolving online space.

Mis/Disinformation, AI-Generated Content and Media Literacy

In an era of rapidly evolving media and AI-generated content, the ability to critically evaluate information has never been more important, or more challenging. Misinformation (false content spread without intent to deceive) and disinformation (false content spread deliberately to mislead) are not new phenomena, but the speed, scale, and sophistication with which they now travel has fundamentally changed the information landscape. From fabricated news articles and manipulated images to AI-generated audio and deepfake video, the tools for creating convincing false content are now widely accessible, and the consequences for communities, public health, elections, and democratic discourse are increasingly serious.

This session explores how misinformation and disinformation spread, through social media algorithms, messaging apps, influencer networks, and traditional media, and how artificial intelligence is being used both to generate harmful content at scale. Participants examine real-world examples from the UK context, including health misinformation, election interference, and the role of AI-generated content in amplifying hate and inciting violence.

The session is built around practical skill development. Participants leave with concrete media literacy tools: how to evaluate sources critically, identify manipulated or synthetic content, understand the psychology of why misinformation spreads and why people believe it, and how to respond, including how to challenge false narratives without inadvertently amplifying them. For professionals in public-facing roles, this is increasingly an essential competency.

Objectives

This workshop aims to equip participants with a grounded understanding of how misinformation and disinformation operate in the current media environment, and the specific role AI-generated content plays in shaping public narratives. Participants develop practical media literacy skills they can apply in their professional roles and personal lives, and build confidence to respond effectively when they encounter false or harmful information.

Learners will

Understand the distinction between misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation, and why the difference matters
Recognise the specific harms caused by health misinformation, electoral misinformation, and AI-generated content targeting marginalised communities
Recognise how false and misleading content spreads through social media platforms, algorithms, and online communities
Understand how AI tools, including large language models, image generators, and voice cloning, are being used to create synthetic or manipulated content
Develop practical skills for evaluating sources, fact-checking claims, and identifying manipulated or AI-generated media
Understand the psychological and social factors that make people susceptible to misinformation, including confirmation bias, emotional triggers, and social identity
Know how to respond to misinformation appropriately, challenging it without amplifying it, in professional and community settings
Understand the legal and regulatory landscape around online misinformation in the UK, including the Online Safety Act
Course audience

This workshop is designed for professionals working in public-facing, communications, education, or community-facing roles who need to navigate and respond to misleading content. It is particularly relevant for educators, safeguarding leads, public health professionals, communications officers, community workers, journalists, and anyone operating in an environment where misinformation poses a professional risk or community harm.

Duration

1.5 hour

Delivery Approach

Facilitated workshop combining presentation, case study analysis, group discussion, and hands-on practical exercises. Participants are encouraged to bring examples they have encountered in their own professional or personal contexts. No prior technical knowledge is required.

Platform

The webinar will take place on Microsoft Teams.

The Microsoft Teams link for the webinar will be sent to the email that registered the spaces.