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The Lawton Public Library is preparing to tackle one of today’s most pressing digital challenges through an upcoming educational webinar focused on artificial intelligence and its role in spreading disinformation.
The free virtual event, which aims to help community members navigate the increasingly complex landscape of AI-generated content, comes at a time when distinguishing between authentic and fabricated information has become increasingly difficult for many Americans.
Library officials announced that the webinar will provide practical tools and strategies for identifying AI-created disinformation, a growing concern as sophisticated technology becomes more accessible to the general public. The session will cover how AI systems can generate convincing but false text, images, and videos that often circulate on social media platforms and news aggregators.
“We’re seeing a significant rise in questions from patrons about how to verify online information,” said Cynthia Robertson, Lawton Public Library’s director of community engagement. “With the 2024 election cycle approaching, helping our community develop strong media literacy skills has become one of our top priorities.”
The timing of the webinar coincides with growing national concern about the potential impact of AI-generated disinformation on democratic processes. A recent Pew Research Center study found that nearly 70% of Americans worry about the role AI might play in upcoming elections, with particular concern about deepfake videos of political candidates and fabricated news stories.
The 90-minute session will feature presentations from digital literacy experts and will include interactive elements where participants can test their ability to identify AI-generated content. Attendees will learn about free verification tools and browser extensions designed to flag potentially manipulated media.
This initiative reflects a broader trend among public libraries nationwide, which are increasingly positioning themselves as trusted resources for digital literacy in their communities. The American Library Association reported that programs addressing misinformation and digital citizenship have increased by 45% in public libraries across the country over the past two years.
“Public libraries have always been about providing access to reliable information,” noted Dr. Marcus Hernandez, a media studies professor at Cameron University who will be one of the webinar’s presenters. “In the digital age, that mission includes helping people develop the critical thinking skills needed to evaluate what they see online.”
The Lawton Public Library serves a diverse community in southwestern Oklahoma, with a metropolitan area population of approximately 90,000 residents. Library officials emphasized that the webinar is designed to be accessible to participants of all technical skill levels, from digital natives to those less comfortable with technology.
Local organizations have praised the initiative, with the Lawton Chamber of Commerce highlighting the economic importance of a well-informed community. “Misinformation doesn’t just affect politics—it can impact local businesses and economic development,” said Teresa Jackson, the Chamber’s executive director. “This type of educational programming helps strengthen our entire community.”
The webinar will be held via Zoom on October 18th at 7:00 p.m., and registration is available through the library’s website or by phone. For those unable to attend the live event, the library plans to record the session and make it available on their YouTube channel, along with supplementary resources.
Library staff noted that this webinar is part of a larger series on digital citizenship planned for the coming year, which will include sessions on online privacy, cybersecurity for seniors, and recognizing scams on social media.
“We want to empower our community members to be confident digital citizens,” Robertson added. “Understanding how AI can be used to spread misinformation is becoming as essential as knowing how to search for information online was a decade ago.”
The initiative has received support from a grant through the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, which has identified digital literacy as a key focus area for 2023-2024 programming across the state’s public libraries.
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7 Comments
This webinar on AI-driven disinformation sounds like a really important initiative from the Lawton Public Library. Helping the community discern fact from fiction in the digital age is crucial, especially with key elections coming up.
Developing media literacy skills to combat the spread of AI-generated misinformation is a smart move by the library. It’s a growing problem that requires proactive education and awareness-raising efforts.
I agree, this webinar could provide valuable tools and strategies for identifying AI-created content. It’s a complex issue that deserves more public attention.
This webinar could be a great resource for helping community members develop the skills to navigate the online information landscape more critically and effectively. Kudos to the library for spearheading this initiative.
The library’s focus on practical, hands-on guidance for spotting AI disinformation is really commendable. With so much false information circulating online, this kind of initiative is much-needed.
As someone concerned about the erosion of truth in the digital age, I’m glad to see the Lawton Public Library taking a proactive stance on this issue. Educating the community is an important first step.
Absolutely. Combating AI-driven disinformation through public education is a crucial effort, especially with high-stakes elections on the horizon.