"AI, Disinformation, and the Future of Democracy" with Washington Post journalist David Von Drehle

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October 18

4:00pm - 6:00pm

Sturm Hall, Room 248, Sam & Freda Davis Auditorium

Audience: Alumni,  Current Student,  Faculty,  Families,  Neighbor or Friend,  Prospective Student,  Staff

Location change: This event will take place in Sturm Hall, Lindsay Auditorium (room 281)

 

"AI, Disinformation, and the Future of Democracy"

Did the Pope endorse Donald Trump for President? Can you trust your county election officials? Should you stop eating peanut butter cups? Disinformation, which is the spreading of false information that is intended to mislead, is what has put each of these questions on the public’s agenda. And through the sophisticated and nontransparent use of algorithms in social media systems, AI may have been used to ensure that you heard this disinformation.

Renowned national journalist David Von Drehle will discuss the ways that the spread of disinformation is affecting the 2024 election in real time. In addition to talking about his own journey from the University of Denver to his life as a prize-winning author and journalist, he will discuss what journalists are paying attention to and covering (or not) in relation to disinformation, artificial intelligence’s role in journalism and elections, and what we should be watching out for, and doing, to ensure that our democracy works for all of us.

Join the Department of Media, Film & Journalism Studies for a reception following the program outside Davis Auditorium.

Register today

 

About David Von Drehle

David Von Drehle (’83) is a deputy opinion editor and columnist for the "Washington Post," where he writes about national affairs and politics from his home base in the Midwest. He joined the "Post" after a decade at "Time" magazine, where he wrote more than 60 cover stories as editor-at-large. Von Drehle is author several books, including the award-winning bestseller "Triangle: The fire that changed America" and "Rise to Greatness," the award-winning book on President Lincoln. His book on the 2000 presidential election recount in Florida was a source book for the Emmy-winning HBO movie "Recount."
 
A native of Denver, Von Drehle was a Boettcher Foundation Scholar and editor of "The Clarion," DU’s student newspaper. While in and before his time at DU, he also served as a sports writer for the "Denver Post" and was the youngest sports writer the paper has had. He was the recipient of a Livingston Award which recognizes excellence in young journalism and is given annually to a journalist under the age of 35, as well as numerous other awards recognizing his writing.

 

About the Estlow Center Anvil of Freedom Lecturer

Established in 1993, the Estlow Center brings in an annual lecturer and recipient of the Anvil for Freedom Award who serves as a keynote speaker at a University-wide event and talks with students to deepen their exploration of journalism and democratic freedom.