Recognizing that digital content creators play an increasingly influential role in shaping today’s online information ecosystem, UNESCO, in partnership with Google, developed the Super Creators Toolkit. This practical guide to informed and ethical use of AI is grounded in media and information literacy (MIL) principles. The workshop in São Paulo, held with the support of Google and YouTube, in partnership with Redes Cordiais, was the first test of the draft Toolkit by content creators ahead of its launch later this year.
MIL is a set of competencies that empowers people to critically access, evaluate, create and engage with information and media in ways that are informed, ethical and meaningful. For digital content creators, these skills are increasingly essential in an AI-driven information environment.
In an extensive discussion, content creators explained how they use AI tools for ideation, research, scriptwriting, translation, editing, as well as the generation of images, audio and video. Participants agreed that, while AI can expand creative possibilities and streamline production processes, it also brings new challenges and issues. The information produced by AI is not always accurate with the sources not always transparent. In addition, AI can have embedded biases. In an environment where AI can generate convincing text, images, audio and video at scale, creators need the skills to assess the accuracy of information, understand how AI systems produce outputs, identify potential biases, verify sources and maintain transparency with their audiences.
Participants’ experience ranged from creators who had never used AI tools to people who systematically incorporate such tools in their workflows. They recognized the usefulness of AI at certain stages of production as well as its drawbacks.
I always approach Artificial Intelligence by thinking how it can help the editors and illustrators I work with to make their work more efficient. I never think about how it might replace them because, in my opinion, there is no way to replace people.
