During the session, we discussed social media as an information source, the threats posed by artificial intelligence, and MIL education in schools.
For the second consecutive year, the World Economic Forum in Davos has included disinformation in the top 10 global risks. This is why UNESCO, together with its partners, continues to actively work on developing critical thinking skills across different countries.
As part of the MIL House project, the Souspilnist Foundation has created a network of MIL ambassadors who are helping to promote media literacy culture across all regions of Ukraine. Our ambassadors had the opportunity to learn from Adeline Hulin, Head of UNESCO’s Unit for Media and Information Literacy and Digital Competencies.
The speaker shared insights on the challenges the world is facing amid the rise of artificial intelligence, the growing influence of influencers, and the demand for “fast news.”
According to her, many people nowadays receive information from bloggers, but 62% of influencers do not fact-check their content. Therefore, blogging should be responsible, and bloggers should lead by example in spreading MIL culture among their followers.
Currently, 32 UN member states are working to integrate media and information literacy into school curricula. However, Adeline Hulin emphasized that it’s not just about acquiring these skills but continuously improving them.
Social media, where almost everyone has an account, can also become an “ally” in promoting MIL skills. Anyone can use these platforms to highlight the importance of media literacy, share tips, or provide personal examples.
Another threat to critical thinking is generative AI. UNESCO has published a report on how AI is rewriting Holocaust history: https://www.unesco.org/…/ai-and-holocaust-rewriting…
The workshop also addressed the challenges to critical thinking posed by Telegram, as well as ways to enhance critical thinking skills during wartime, when emotions can sometimes take over.
We are grateful to Adeline Hulin, UNESCO, and UNESCO Ukraine for the valuable information shared.
And a gentle reminder—don’t miss the Critical Thinking Evenings at MIL House, where you can enhance your media literacy together with top speakers.
A big thank you to our incredible partners for their collaboration!
The Souspilnist Foundations hosts Critical Thinking Evenings in cooperation with UNESCO Ukraine and with the support of 在ウクライナ日本国大使館 / Embassy of Japan in Ukraine. The project is part of UNESCO’s broader efforts to support the safety of journalists and freedom of speech in Ukraine.
