Over the past few years, our media landscape has become increasingly populated with AI-generated content. From chatbots to deepfakes, it is becoming even more difficult to tell what is real versus what’s synthetic. New tools powered by artificial intelligence are being released that make it easier, faster and cheaper to generate all types of content, from text, to images, to videos, while regulations struggle to keep up.

In turn, issues that have always existed online – from scams and harassment to social polarization – are now being “supercharged” by AI. Though it can often be difficult to detect, AI tools are being used to fabricate news, imitate reality, and influence our opinions and behaviors.

The Media and Information Literacy for Societal Resilience through pan-European Library Networks (MILSR) project aims to enhance societal resilience by equipping libraries across Europe with the skills, tools and resources needed to be effective, innovative, future-fit advocates and facilitators for media and information literacy (MIL).

The main output of the project is “Supercharged by AI: Synthetic and Out of Control”, an exhibition that tells the general public about the impact that AI has on cultural stereotypes, on online scams, on online harassment and finally on the influence it has in the political sphere. Starting in November 2024, the exhibition and main output of the project will present visitors with communication artifacts focused on four topics related to AI and the online dimension.

The exhibition

Building on Tactical Tech’s (TT) years of experience on public engagement, and on DensityDesign Lab’s(DD) experience on data visualization and information design, researchers will work with seasoned librarians to implement innovative critical thinking programs.MILSR extends the success of previous MIL endeavors to ensure broader public engagement in Europe.

“Supercharged by AI” is a traveling exhibition within the European library networks of IFLA, an independent, international, non-governmental and non-profit organization, which promotes the interests of libraries, library and information associations, and information services throughout the world.

IFLA Library Networks who are part of this initiative: Association of Greek librarians (Greece); Associazione Italiana Biblioteche (Italy); Czech National Library (Czech Republic); Estonian Librarians Association (Estonia); National and University Library in Zagreb (Croatia); Rede de Bibliotecas Escolares (Portugal); Romanian Library Association & West University of Timisoara (Romania), Slovak National Library (Slovakia); and Ukrainian Library Association (Ukraine).

Research goals

Resource Development. Produce state-of-the-art resources to foster media and information literacy on the following topics:

1. Political Influence;
2. Online Harassment;
3. Online Scams;
4. Stereotype Amplification.

Resource Integration. Curate new materials alongside existing resources that address disinformation, data privacy, and environmental technology footprint, and work with librarians on adaptation, translation, and engagement.

European Implementation. Incorporate MIL resources into library events for 10 European countries, reaching 50 locations, and promote media literacy advocates in European cities.