“Media Literacy in the Age of Deepfakes” is an online educational module developed by the MIT Center for Advanced Virtuality. It helps learners understand misinformation, deepfakes and synthetic media, while developing the critical skills needed to analyse and evaluate digital media. The module consists of three interconnected sections covering misinformation, deepfakes and the use of synthetic media for civic purposes. It also provides educator resources, including a syllabus, bibliography and design prompts.
Why it matters for ENACT-AI
The resource has a direct connection to AI literacy and critical thinking, focusing specifically on deepfakes, AI-enabled media, misinformation and the social and democratic implications of synthetic media. It also goes beyond identifying risks by exploring how AI-generated media can be used for civic engagement, public history, investigative work and creative expression.
Learning outcomes
Learners will be able to:
Understand key concepts such as misinformation, deepfakes and civic media.
Explain how deepfakes can disrupt the information environment and threaten democratic societies.
Analyse audio-visual media critically and identify signs of manipulation.
Understand how digital forensics, platform moderation and public policy can contribute to combating misinformation.
Recognise the potential social and civic uses of synthetic media.
Develop a more critical and discerning approach to information encountered online.
Reflect on the ethical and societal implications of AI-generated media.
Suggested activity
Show learners the “In Event of Moon Disaster” deepfake, in which Richard Nixon appears to deliver a speech prepared for the hypothetical failure of the Apollo 11 mission. Before revealing the context, ask learners to assess whether they believe the video is authentic and identify the elements that influence their judgement. Afterwards, reveal how the video was created and ask learners to analyse the techniques used to manipulate the audio and video. Finish with a discussion about the potential risks and positive civic uses of synthetic media.