Visual Misinformation Evolves as Generative AI Transforms Digital Imagery

In an age where digital media increasingly blurs the line between reality and fiction, a leading researcher will address the challenges of visual misinformation in an upcoming lecture at USC Annenberg. Professor Cuihua (Cindy) Shen from the University of California, Davis will present “The Anatomy of Visual Misinformation in the Age of AI” on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. PT.

The lecture comes at a critical moment when generative AI technologies are rapidly advancing, creating sophisticated synthetic media that can be difficult to distinguish from authentic content. As online spaces become increasingly saturated with complex combinations of text, images, audio, and AI-generated content, the need to understand how these multimodal signals affect communication has taken on new urgency.

Shen, who co-founded the Computational and Multimodal Communication (CMMC) Lab at UC Davis, will present findings from several studies examining how people perceive and process visual misinformation. Her talk will explore what she describes as the “credibility gap” – the growing disconnect between AI’s technical capabilities and humans’ cognitive ability to identify manipulated content.

The presentation will also address potential strategies for mitigating the spread and impact of visual misinformation, offering insights for navigating an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Shen brings significant credentials to this discussion. As a Fellow of the International Communication Association and past chair of ICA’s Computational Methods Division, she has established herself as a leader in the field. Currently serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, she was also the founding associate editor of Computational Communication Research.

Her research portfolio focuses on computational social science and multimodal misinformation in AI-mediated environments. This work has attracted funding from prominent organizations including the U.S. National Science Foundation and Meta, reflecting the growing importance of this research area as synthetic media becomes more prevalent and sophisticated.

Shen’s academic recognition includes a Fulbright US Scholar Award and numerous top paper awards from the International Communication Association. She completed her doctorate at USC’s own Annenberg School for Communication, making this presentation a homecoming of sorts for the accomplished researcher.

The event is part of the annual Walt Fisher Lecture series, established to honor the late Professor Emeritus Walter R. Fisher, a significant figure in USC Annenberg’s history. Prior to the lecture, attendees are invited to a reception beginning at 5 p.m. in the ASC Second Floor West Lobby.

The timing of Shen’s lecture reflects growing concerns across academia, tech industries, and policy circles about AI’s role in creating and spreading misinformation. As generative AI tools become more accessible to the general public, the potential for misuse in creating convincing fake images, videos, and other content has raised alarms about impacts on public discourse, election integrity, and social cohesion.

Research in this area has taken on particular significance as major elections approach in several countries, with experts warning about AI’s potential to supercharge disinformation campaigns. Shen’s work represents part of the academic community’s efforts to understand these challenges and develop effective responses.

The lecture will be held at USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism in room ASC 207. The event is open to all eligible individuals, with USC Annenberg noting that it operates all programs and activities in accordance with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination.