Artificial Intelligence and the Quest for Truth: Navigating Misinformation in Digital News Environments

Abstract

In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping communication and media landscapes, the challenge of discerning truth from misinformation has intensified. This paper explores the intersection of AI and digital news consumption, focusing on how audiences navigate the complexities of information in the digital realm. Utilising a problem-solution framework, the study investigates AI's role in perpetuating and combating misinformation and proposes strategies for enhancing digital literacy and critical thinking among news consumers. This paper reveals users' experiences as they grapple with the overwhelming influx of information through a descriptive phenomenological research approach, including in-depth interviews and thematic analysis. The findings underscore the necessity of integrating AI tools in media literacy initiatives, fostering a more informed public capable of navigating the digital information environment effectively.