Shusha Global Media Forum Concludes, Emphasising Media Literacy And AI Challenges

The 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum wrapped up on Monday, featuring in-depth panel discussions. Key topics included "Digital Transformation: Enhancing Information and Media Resilience in the Age of Artificial Intelligence" and "Media Literacy as a Guarantee for Information Security." The forum, held in Azerbaijan, aimed to strengthen media resilience amid AI advancements.

Speakers highlighted that media literacy extends beyond receiving information. It involves evaluating and verifying the credibility of sources. They warned about the rise of news platforms lacking accuracy, which spreads misinformation and manipulates public opinion. Media literacy is crucial to combat this issue by promoting conscious social media use.

Participants emphasised that media literacy fosters critical thinking skills. Society should not accept information blindly but assess it critically. They described the media as more than just an information channel; it plays a significant role in shaping public opinion. This underscores the need for a well-informed society.

There was a call to create a healthy media environment through educational efforts and widespread media literacy across all societal segments. Sharing technological ideas and enhancing international cooperation among media representatives were also stressed as vital components for progress in this field.

In discussions about AI tools like ChatGPT, experts stressed the importance of scrutinising AI-generated information. Such content should not be taken at face value; its credibility must be verified thoroughly to ensure reliability. This approach is essential to maintain trust in digital information sources.

Journalists have a key responsibility to present accurate information to the public. One of the core missions of the media is to instill critical thinking within society, safeguarding communities from misinformation. This responsibility is even more crucial in an era dominated by rapid technological advancements.

The forum concluded with an emphasis on equipping individuals with accurate information and fostering conscious social media use. These measures are seen as critical necessities for confronting misinformation effectively and ensuring a resilient media landscape in today's digital age.

With inputs from WAM