Navigating the Media Maze: Truth, Bias, and AI in a Digital World

During the All Digital Weeks 2025. will be organized  a dynamic 3 hour interactive workshop „Navigating the Media Maze: Truth, Bias, and AI in a Digital World“ which aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex and ever-changing media landscape. By fostering a more informed and discerning society, participants will be better equipped to distinguish fact from fiction, recognize bias, and engage with media in a thoughtful and responsible way.

This workshop is designed for a diverse range of participants, including students who aim to develop stronger critical thinking skills, educators who seek to integrate media literacy into their curriculum, and journalists who navigate the rapidly evolving digital media landscape. Content creators who produce and share information online will also benefit from this session by gaining insights into responsible storytelling. Additionally, members of the general public who are interested in understanding misinformation, bias, and the role of artificial intelligence in media are encouraged to attend.

The workshop will run for approximately two to three hours, allowing ample time for discussion, hands-on activities, and expert insights.

The primary objective of this workshop is to explore the possibilities and challenges of media literacy in the digital age. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of misinformation, bias, and the influence of artificial intelligence in shaping media narratives. Through interactive discussions and activities, attendees will acquire critical thinking skills that will enable them to analyze media content more effectively and engage with digital information responsibly.

The workshop will begin with a welcome and introduction session. The session will open with remarks on Media Literacy Days 2025, providing an overview of the event’s purpose and significance. Participants will then be introduced to the theme, which will be examined in relation to today’s media landscape. To set the stage for critical thinking, attendees will take part in an engaging icebreaker activity called “Fact or Fake?”, where they will evaluate short news headlines and determine whether they are real or fabricated.

A keynote talk will follow, focusing on the power and limitations of media literacy by addressing key aspects of media literacy, including the rise of AI-generated content, the difficulties of distinguishing facts from misinformation, and the critical role of media literacy in modern society. This discussion will provide participants with foundational knowledge that will be essential for the rest of the workshop.

Next, an interactive session will be held to explore whether it is possible to identify misinformation. During this hands-on activity, participants will examine and compare real and fake news articles. They will learn practical strategies to recognize misleading content and assess the credibility of sources. Following the exercise, a group discussion will take place, focusing on the emotional impact of misinformation and its influence on public perception.

A panel discussion will then explore whether it is possible to have truly unbiased media. A workshop activity will then guide participants in developing a “Media Literacy Toolkit.”

Working in small groups, participants will collaborate to create practical strategies for responsible media consumption. They will identify key methods for evaluating sources, detecting bias, and engaging ethically with media. Each group will present their key takeaways, offering valuable insights that all attendees can implement in their daily lives.

The workshop will conclude with closing remarks and a Q&A session. To wrap up the session, facilitators will summarize the key insights gained throughout the workshop. Participants will be encouraged to take action by applying their media literacy skills in everyday life. A final Q&A session will provide an opportunity for attendees to ask questions, share reflections, and discuss how they plan to implement what they have learned.

By the end of this workshop, participants will: Develop a deeper understanding of the challenges associated with media literacy in the digital era, Gain practical skills to critically analyze, evaluate, and verify news and online content, Learn how to engage with media responsibly, using a community-driven approach to digital literacy.

Organizer: Nada Ratković, prof. savjetnik, Srednja strukovna škola bana Josipa Jelačića Sinj, Dinka Šimunovića 14, 21230 Sinj, Croatia