AI Apocalypse: A Survival Guide for Navigating AI Disinformation

In today’s world, it seems like AI is everywhere that you look. It can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even scary. Whether its deepfake technology (AI copies) or the number of Large Language Model Chatbots like ChatGPT, every time you turn on the news it seems like there is some new insane thing happening relating to AI and it can be hard to keep up with. On top of that, more and more of the content and users of social media are being run and created by AI and this can lead for it to become harder and harder to discern what is real, and what is a fabrication. In this talk, Black Hawk College’s Atticus Garrison will demystify generative AI, explaining what it is, how it works, and how to identify it. Topics will include the mechanics of AI, the creation and impact of AI deepfakes, and the role of AI in spreading disinformation on social media and in the news. This session aims to equip you with the critical thinking and media literacy skills necessary to navigate the digital landscape with confidence.

The talk will conclude with a Q&A session, providing an opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have about AI.

Author Bio: Atticus Garrison is a Reference and Instruction Librarian at Black Hawk College, where he specializes in teaching source evaluation, research skills, and various literacies including information, media, and digital. Beyond the classroom, Atticus is known for his talks on AI, which he delivers to faculty, staff, and students. He has presented on AI at a number of events and conferences such as the Information Literacy Summit, the NILRC annual conference and has served as the Keynote Speaker for Highland Community College's Opening Days.

A proud local of Rock Island, IL, Atticus is an alumnus of Rock Island High School and Augustana College and earned his Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.