FAIK

Chapter 8Media Literacy in the Age of AI: Your First Line of Defense

Whispers from the Static

“This one is going to be the best so far!” Liam thought as he hit Post on his latest story for the #ExposeTheTruthChallenge. He’d been scouring message boards all day. Looking for just the right story. Something that would check all the right boxes. Something destined to go viral.

The headline was an eye-catcher: “Politician Caught in Extraterrestrial Scandal. What Are They Hiding???” The accompanying video really sold it. Grainy and shaky…a shadowy figure engaged in some kind of incognito meeting with what appeared to be a gray alien. Looked like the kind of thing that would fuel a whole subplot of that TV show his dad used to watch, The X-Files.

What was written on that poster in Agent Mulder’s office, again? Oh yeah, “I want to believe.” Yeah. That was it.

Buzzes from notifications started pouring in. “Yes!” Liam grinned with each like and share. He was killing this challenge. Turns out he had a knack for finding the most salacious stories. It was paying off, too. His follower count had more than doubled in just the past week.

A private message popped up from his best friend, Emma. “Hey! You sure about that alien story? Looks fake AF. 🤔”

Liam frowned. He’d been so focused on being first that he hadn’t really considered the story’s legitimacy. He typed back, IDK, it’s blowing up. Everybody’s sharing it.”

Emma’s response was quick. “Dude, that doesn’t mean it’s true. Remember ...