A study by Western Sydney University revealed significant findings about media literacy in Australia. It stated that media literacy is not keeping pace with rapidly advancing artificial intelligence technologies. According to the research, people feel insecure and threatened. This situation has the potential to create a new division in society. Especially, misinformation spread on social media platforms has shaken people’s trust in news sources.
Plummeting Trust in Media
According to the Digital News Report: Australia 2024, only 26% of Australians trust the news. On the other hand, the percentage of those who trust news from social media platforms is 18%. The very low level of trust is a result of the increasing misinformation infiltrating media platforms. The ability to critically evaluate media content has not made significant progress for years.
According to university faculty member Tanya Notley, this slow progress in media literacy is particularly concerning given the ability of AI tools to produce high-quality deep fakes and disinformation.
Notley states that AI has made media literacy more complex and that it has become difficult for people to detect where AI is being used. AI has begun to be used in more sophisticated ways to manipulate people with disinformation, and its effects are already being felt.
Forward-Looking Solutions
Legal regulations are necessary to tackle this threat. However, this process is progressing slowly. Although the recent passage of a law by the US Senate banning pornographic deep fakes is seen as a step in this regard, education is also crucial for individuals to identify risky materials produced by AI. Notley emphasized the importance of education in this matter, expressing concern about the growing gap among individuals who can develop media literacy in society.
According to the research, young Australians aged 18-29 show higher awareness regarding media literacy. Those with higher education or working in jobs requiring digital skills are more aware of how AI can be used and its potential dangers. However, older generations, those with lower education levels, and those living in low socioeconomic environments have much less chance to develop media literacy.
Notley expressed concern about the growing gap between those who can navigate the digital world and those who cannot. She noted that, especially in Australia, the lack of a focused program to bridge this gap makes the dangers more apparent. Australia is now among the few developed democracies without a national strategy on media literacy. Such a national strategy could provide clear goals and funding for developing these skills across society.
