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In an era dominated by digital communication, the spread of disinformation across social media platforms has become a pressing societal challenge, with artificial intelligence now amplifying these concerns. Dr. Anatoliy Gruzd, a leading Canadian social media scholar, will address these issues in the upcoming Alan H. MacDonald Information Science Public Lecture at Dalhousie University.
The free event, scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM in the Ondaatje Theatre at the McCain Arts & Social Sciences Building, will explore how generative AI is transforming the information landscape.
According to a recent report titled “The State of Generative AI Use in Canada 2025” from the Social Media Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University, 59 percent of Internet users express distrust in online political news due to concerns about manipulation or fabrication. Even more concerning, two-thirds of respondents fear generative AI could influence election outcomes.
Despite these widespread concerns, a paradoxical trend has emerged: the same generative AI tools raising alarm are being embraced by students and faculty for academic and research purposes. This contradiction highlights the complex relationship between technological advancement and information integrity in contemporary society.
Dr. Gruzd’s lecture will examine how social media platforms algorithmically blend news, memes, and AI-generated content, effectively blurring distinctions between fact and fiction. This convergence has eroded traditional markers of credibility such as source reputation, visual authenticity, and consensus, making it increasingly difficult for users to evaluate information critically.
The presentation will analyze the technical features that have enabled rapid public adoption of generative AI tools while simultaneously allowing malicious actors to create and distribute misinformation at unprecedented scale. The dual nature of these technologies presents significant challenges for information ecosystems globally.
Dr. Gruzd will conclude his talk with practical recommendations focused on building what he terms “epistemic resilience” – the capacity to withstand information manipulation. His proposals emphasize critical digital literacy, robust verification practices, and institutional safeguards to ensure ethical use of generative AI technologies. These recommendations target students, researchers, and the general public, reflecting the universal nature of this challenge.
As the Director of Research at the Social Media Lab and Professor at the Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University, Dr. Gruzd brings significant expertise to this discussion. His research focuses on how social media transforms communication, collaboration, and information sharing patterns among individuals and organizations.
Dr. Gruzd’s computational social science background has enabled him to develop innovative methods for analyzing public discourse across various domains. His recent work has examined the propagation of pro-Kremlin narratives, propaganda, and disinformation related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, giving him valuable insights into how misinformation spreads in geopolitically sensitive contexts.
His contributions to the field earned him appointment as a Canada Research Chair in 2015, and in 2017, he was inducted into the Royal Society of Canada College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists, recognizing his pioneering approach to social media research.
The lecture comes at a critical juncture when societies worldwide are grappling with the implications of AI-enhanced information manipulation. As generative AI tools become more sophisticated and accessible, understanding their potential impacts on public discourse and democratic processes becomes increasingly vital.
For additional information about this event, interested parties can contact Dalhousie University at inform@dal.ca.
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8 Comments
The paradox of embracing generative AI tools for academic and research purposes, while also fearing their potential to manipulate information, is a fascinating challenge. I’m eager to hear the proposed solutions discussed in this lecture.
The disinformation crisis is a complex challenge, with AI amplifying the spread of false information. I’m curious to hear how this lecture plans to explore solutions to this critical issue.
Generative AI is a double-edged sword – it can be a powerful tool, but also a source of manipulation if not used responsibly. I look forward to insights on how to harness its benefits while mitigating the risks.
This topic is timely and important, as the rise of AI-generated content is fueling growing public distrust in online information. I hope the lecture offers practical guidance for navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.
The potential impact of generative AI on elections is particularly concerning. I’m eager to learn more about the proposed solutions to address this threat to democratic processes.
As someone invested in the mining and commodities sector, I’m curious to understand how the issues of generative AI and disinformation might intersect with my industry. I hope the lecture sheds light on this intersection.
Responsible use of AI is crucial for maintaining trust and transparency in the mining and energy sectors. I look forward to learning about strategies for ensuring the integrity of information in these industries.
It’s encouraging to see academic institutions taking a proactive approach to addressing the disinformation crisis. This lecture could provide valuable insights for both policymakers and the general public.