Authors: Merlino Sergio, Fontana Vincenzo Marco Fabio, Lodato Danilo, Palazzolo Christian, Vitale Cristiano
- Introduction
▪ Project Description: The project in question aims to create awareness among students about AI-generated content and the ability to distinguish real news from fake news. The first objective is to make them understand what AI-generated content (deepfakes) is and how dangerous it is, while also trying to understand how to try to recognize it. Furthermore, the project also focuses on creating good digital literacy that allows the individual to distinguish whether a piece of news is fake news or not and to promote the right behaviors and habits when faced with fake news.
▪ Objective of the Activity: The awareness-raising activity aims to provide students with the tools needed to deal with and navigate the current complex digital environment, reducing the risks associated with disinformation and manipulated content. This is why it represents an important step for students to form a more prepared and aware generation of young people in the digital information era. - Project phases
▪ Research and Survey: The survey was distributed to all classes of the institute, the students who filled out the form answered as they believed to the questions asked, the main questions are, what is artificial intelligence (AI) in your opinion? What is the right thing to do if you think you have stumbled upon fake news? Have you ever heard of “deep fake”? If so, which of the following best describes what they are? What is digital literacy?
▪ Data Analysis: Students have an adequate understanding of the risks associated with AI and fake news, but there is still room for improvement in their ability to recognize and prevent the spread of false content.
▪ Poster Creation: The poster was developed using Photoshop software, the main content of the poster is a photo that arouses curiosity in the observer.
Receiving the professor’s advice, compared to the draft (which was definitely lacking in details), we added some writing along a vertical column on the right with the keywords of the video to which the QR code below leads. The backgrounds of the poster and letters were completely generated by AI with the corresponding prompts (“Create me a background that recalls minimal artificial intelligence and with light colors” for the background of the poster and for the background of the letters “Create me a background with dark colors that represent a dystopian future of artificial intelligence” was inserted). - Poster Content and Key Messages
▪ Core Themes: The topics covered in the poster are fake news, AI-generated images and, as a main theme, deep fakes, which is also accompanied by a video on YouTube via QR code that shows how deepfakes can be dangerous if used by malicious people.
▪ Practical Suggestions: One of the main pieces of advice given to students is not to underestimate the publication of personal images online because they could be used by some malicious people in any way they want through artificial intelligence, such as making the person grow, attributing actions not performed with fake images, etc. - Learning Experience
▪ Lessons Learned: Critical thinking emerged as one of the most relevant skills during the project. The group learned to analyze information in greater depth, evaluate arguments, and make decisions based on conscious and reasoned reflection.
▪ Challenges encountered: One of the most significant challenges was the difficulty in distinguishing false or unreliable content. We found articles, social media posts, and videos that appeared to be valid sources, but were actually based on distorted or even completely false information.
▪ Collaboration and Teamwork: Working in a group often required listening carefully to the opinions and ideas of other members which is essential for effective communication. - Final conclusions and reflections
▪ Project Impact: The project was a significant intellectual challenge for the group, as it allowed the group members to delve into complex topics such as AI, deepfakes, and disinformation. Through this work, the group was able to develop practical skills in areas such as critical research, verification of sources, and responsible use of technology. For the school, the project was of invaluable educational value, allowing students to address highly relevant technological and social issues.
▪ Future Prospective: Please share any ideas for future projects on similar topics or suggestions for awareness-raising activities in school. There are many ideas that could further explore these topics and raise awareness in school, such as creating deepfake creation and recognition workshops. A hands-on project that allows students to explore both the creation and recognition of deepfakes.
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