EducationENGLISHimmune 2 infodemic
Immune 2 Infodemic 2 WP7 – Workshops on AI & Mis/Disinformation: Unveiling Risks, Embracing Opportunities
WP7 was organised by Januam gUG in Darmstadt, Germany, and consisted of three workshops delivered in two different formats. The workshops were designed to raise awareness about the growing challenges related to AI and mis/disinformation, while also highlighting the opportunities AI can offer when used responsibly. Through education, critical thinking, and digital skills development, the workshops empowered participants to engage more safely and confidently with digital content — directly supporting the aims of WP7.
Overview of the Three Workshops
First Workshop
Date & Location: 03.07.2025, Alsfelder Str. 9, 64289 Darmstadt
Participating Organisations: BAFF-Frauen-Kooperation gGmbH
Participants: 11
Target Group: Employees of Social Organizations and Target Groups Participating in Courses for Young Adult and Adult Migrant Women
Format & Content:
This session focused on professionals working in the social sector and the communities they support. Because many participants had different language levels, the workshop was conducted in easy and accessible language, using simplified explanations and clear examples to ensure full understanding.
Participants explored the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence in digital spaces, including how AI can be used to create, spread, and personalise misleading content, as well as how it can support fact-checking and verification processes.
Interactive discussions and real-life examples encouraged knowledge-sharing between professionals and their communities. Participants learned how to identify manipulation techniques, verify sources, and support others in navigating information more safely in the age of AI.
Results:
Participants gained practical tools for critical engagement with media content, strengthened their understanding of AI-driven disinformation, and developed strategies to share this knowledge within their organizations. The importance of collaboration among social organisations to address mis/disinformation was clearly underlined.
In addition, participants discussed the importance of raising awareness within families. They shared their own experiences and agreed that this topic should also be addressed at home in a positive and supportive way, encouraging family members to talk openly about digital risks, ask questions, and learn together how to navigate information safely.
Second Workshop
Date & Location: 18.11.2025, Pallaswiesenstraße 63, 64293 Darmstadt
Participating Organisations: Deutsch-Syrischer Verein e.V.
Participants: 12
Target Group: Employees of Social Organizations and their Target Groups
Format & Content:
This session continued to focus on professionals and their target groups, with a deeper look at how AI technologies are used to generate, amplify, and distribute misleading content. Because the participants had different language levels, the workshop was delivered in simple and easy-to-understand language, supported by clear explanations, visual materials, and practical examples.
Participants analysed real examples of AI-generated images, texts, and misleading online narratives. Special attention was given to understanding how algorithms, automation, and targeted content can influence opinions and behaviour, especially within vulnerable communities.
Alongside the risks, the workshop also highlighted the positive and practical opportunities of AI, such as tools for content verification, educational support, and community outreach. Scenario-based exercises helped participants reflect on situations relevant to their work and to develop preventive, supportive, and educational approaches suited to their daily professional contexts.
Results:
Participants improved their understanding of the dual role of AI as both a risk and a resource. They gained increased confidence in recognising AI-driven manipulation and identified new possibilities for using AI ethically and responsibly in their professional and educational activities.
Several participants expressed interest in integrating AI and media literacy topics into their regular programmes, with particular emphasis from younger participants on the importance of addressing social media narratives. They suggested producing more creative, short videos and other engaging materials to inform different segments of society, especially young people, about the risks and opportunities of AI.
In addition, participants highlighted the importance of raising awareness within families, with women participants especially emphasizing this point. They agreed that discussions about AI, digital media, and disinformation should take place at home, using positive and experience-based approaches to encourage learning and dialogue among family members.
Third Workshop
Date & Location: 27.11.2025, Rheinstraße 5, 64283 Darmstadt
Participants: 35
Target Group: Migrants who aim to improve their computer skills and digital knowledge
Format & Content:
This workshop specifically targeted migrants participating in Januam’s computer courses and others seeking to strengthen their digital and computer skills. The session focused on building basic to intermediate digital literacy while introducing the risks and opportunities related to artificial intelligence in everyday life.
Participants were introduced to commonly used digital platforms and AI-based applications, such as chatbots, image generators, translation tools, and recommendation systems. Through hands-on exercises, they learned how to recognise suspicious or AI-generated content, avoid online scams, protect their personal data, and evaluate the reliability of information found online.
At the same time, the workshop explored how AI can be used as a supportive tool for language learning, job searching, education, and access to information. Simple explanations, visual materials, and guided practice created an inclusive and accessible learning environment, encouraging active participation and peer learning.
Results:
Participants, most of whom were women, significantly enhanced their awareness of the risks and opportunities associated with AI and online disinformation. They developed greater confidence in using computers and digital tools, improving their ability to navigate online content critically and safely.
Through practical exercises, participants learned to recognise AI-generated content, verify information, and protect their personal data, applying these skills in real-life scenarios. Many reported feeling better prepared to use digital technologies responsibly and independently, both in daily life and in educational or professional contexts.
Participants also discussed the impact of disinformation on families, noting how misleading information on social media can influence family members’ opinions, behaviours, and trust in reliable sources. They emphasised the importance of raising awareness within families, particularly among women, and promoting positive, experience-based discussions about AI and disinformation at home.
Additionally, participants expressed interest in continuing to develop their computer and AI-related skills and highlighted the value of sharing knowledge with their communities to foster safer, more informed digital practices.
Workshops Themes
The workshops were designed to be interactive, with questions incorporated throughout, and were structured around four main themes:
- Understanding Misinformation and Disinformation
Key concepts and terminology were explained, including the differences between misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. Real-life examples were presented to help participants understand how and why misleading information is created and shared.
- AI & Mis/Disinformation: Risks and Opportunities
This section focused on the role of artificial intelligence in both spreading and combating misleading content. Participants were introduced to AI-generated images, text, and deepfakes, and learned how quickly such content can be produced. At the same time, they discovered how AI can be used for fact-checking, detection, and educational purposes.
- Social Media, Family, and Community Awareness
The importance of raising awareness within families and communities was emphasised, particularly by women participants. Discussions focused on how social media can shape information consumption and how families can engage in positive, experience-based conversations about AI and disinformation.
- Algorithms, Manipulation, and Digital Influence
Participants explored how algorithms, filter bubbles, echo chambers, and automated accounts can shape what information people see online. The potential impact of these mechanisms on opinions, societies, and democratic processes was discussed.
- Prebunking, Debunking, and Practical Tools
Participants were introduced to platforms and tools for prebunking and debunking misleading content, and links to these resources were shared. Practical strategies were taught to identify false information and verify sources effectively.
- Critical Thinking and Empowerment in the Digital Age
The final theme emphasised the importance of critical thinking, digital awareness, and personal responsibility. Participants were taught which questions to ask when encountering online information and were introduced to practical strategies and tools to verify content and reduce the spread of mis/disinformation.
Our flyer on digital literacies and mis/disinformation was shared with participants, providing a tangible resource to reinforce workshop learning and support continued knowledge-sharing in their communities.
Participants and Results Summary
- First Workshop: 11 participants
- Second Workshop: 12 participants
- Third Workshop: 35 participants
In total, 58 participations were recorded across all workshops. However, 7 individuals took part in more than one workshop, resulting in 51 unique participants overall.
Overall Results
Through the three WP7 workshops, Januam gUG created inclusive spaces for learning, reflection, and empowerment. Participants improved their understanding of how AI can influence information and recognised both its risks and its opportunities. Employees of social organisations gained tools and strategies for supporting their communities, while migrant participants strengthened their digital skills and information literacy.
The workshops contributed to greater resilience against mis/disinformation, promoted safer digital behaviour, and encouraged more informed and responsible engagement with technology and media.
Key Suggestions from Participants
- Integrate AI tools and literacy into training programs to help participants understand both the risks of AI-driven mis/disinformation and the opportunities AI offers for verification, learning, and community engagement.
- Design practical digital exercises and simulations that allow participants to safely explore AI applications, recognise AI-generated content, and develop strategies to respond effectively to online misinformation.
- Develop multilingual resources and guides that combine computer skills, AI awareness, and media literacy, tailored to different levels of digital knowledge, enabling migrants and social organizations to harness AI responsibly while mitigating its risks.
- Promote awareness in families and social media use, helping participants, especially women, engage positively in discussions about AI and disinformation at home and in their communities.
- Introduce specific programs and gamified activities for prebunking and debunking misleading content, making learning about AI-driven mis/disinformation interactive, practical, and engaging for different age groups.
