Australia’s AI Media Literacy Challenge

Media Literacy Lagging Behind AI Advancements

New research from Western Sydney University reveals a concerning trend in Australia: media literacy is not keeping pace with rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), leading to increased vulnerability and potential societal divides. The Digital News Report: Australia 2024 highlights a significant distrust in media, with only 26% of Australians trusting news overall and a mere 18% placing trust in news from social media platforms. This distrust is largely fueled by the rising tide of disinformation on these platforms.

Challenges Posed by Generative AI

The report emphasizes the slow growth in media literacy, a critical issue in an era where generative AI tools are becoming more adept at producing convincing deepfakes and spreading disinformation. Tanya Notley, an associate professor at the university, notes the complexities AI introduces to media literacy, stating, “AI certainly makes media literacy more complicated because the expectation is that it’s getting harder and harder to identify where AI has been used. It’s going to be used in more sophisticated ways to manipulate people with disinformation, and we can already see that happening.”

Regulatory and Educational Responses

To combat these challenges, Notley advocates for regulation, referencing recent legislative efforts in the U.S. to outlaw pornographic deepfakes. However, she stresses that education to help individuals identify AI-generated material is equally crucial. The report points to a growing divide in who can develop media literacy skills, with younger Australians and those in digital-savvy or higher education environments showing greater proficiency.

Vulnerable Populations at Risk

Conversely, older generations, individuals with lower levels of education, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds are less likely to develop necessary media literacy skills. This disparity raises concerns about the widening gap between those who can navigate the digital landscape effectively and those who cannot.

The Need for a National Strategy

Australia lacks a focused national strategy for media literacy, a gap that Notley finds concerning. She argues for a national strategy that would set clear targets and provide funding to enhance media literacy across the population. Such a strategy could help mitigate the risks associated with AI in media and ensure more equitable access to the skills needed to navigate the digital age.

Recommendations for Improvement

The report suggests that efforts to improve media literacy need to be more accessible and engaging, especially for adults. It also calls on online platforms, often the breeding grounds for misinformation, to actively promote media literacy. Furthermore, leveraging public cultural institutions like broadcasters and national libraries could extend the reach and effectiveness of these initiatives, building trust and broadening engagement.