Digital technologies such as the Internet and World Wide Web, social media platforms, and smartphones have greatly expanded the quantity of information produced and shared by humans and its reach, with tremendous positive benefits. However, these tools also enable the rapid creation and distribution of misinformation and disinformation, which can have significant negative ramifications for individuals and for society overall. Now, newer technologies including modern AI tools are enabling even more convincing false information to reach the most susceptible targets for consuming and sharing it, exacerbating the problems to new levels. Technologies are part of the misinformation/disinformation problems, but can technologies—and their makers—be part of new solutions to fight it? How? And in the meantime, how can we protect ourselves, our companies, and our communities from being misled, accidentally or on purpose, and promote identification and refutation of falsehoods, and educational sharing of demonstrably accurate information?

Join us on October 11 for this important in-person and online event–conversation with three experts with backgrounds in communications, information sciences, and public policy–as we bring together UT Austin professors Talia Stroud (Moody College of Communications) , Matt Lease (School of Information), and Sherri Greenberg (LBJ School of Public Affairs) to examine the current challenges and discuss remediations and even potential solutions. This moderated discussion will conclude with recommendations for individuals and organizations, followed by questions from the audience. After the main event, please stay for networking and ongoing discussion among speakers and attendees, with free eats and drinks courtesy of the awesome Austin Forum sponsors listed below. And, thanks to our sponsor SXSW, one in-person attendee with the best question of the night will win a free badge to SXSW 2023!