Nordic Youth Media Lab | Training #2
What happens when artificial intelligence can create images, videos, voices, and news stories that appear completely real?
How can young people distinguish fact from fiction in a world where technology increasingly blurs the boundaries between the two?
These questions were at the heart of the second international training workshop of the Nordic Youth Media Lab project, held online on 30 April 2026 and bringing together participants from across Finland, Estonia, Sweden, and Denmark.
Titled “AI-Driven Information Warfare: Disinformation and Youth Cognitive Resilience”, the workshop examined one of the most important challenges facing today’s digital societies: the growing use of artificial intelligence in information manipulation and influence operations.
Navigating an Era of Synthetic Reality
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how information is created, distributed, and consumed.
While AI offers extraordinary opportunities for innovation, creativity, and education, it also creates new risks. Deepfakes, synthetic media, automated bot networks, and AI-generated misinformation are becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect.
Participants explored how emerging technologies are being used to influence public opinion, manipulate emotions, and amplify misleading narratives.
Through real-world examples and practical demonstrations, the workshop revealed how artificial intelligence can shape perceptions without audiences even realizing it.
Understanding Cognitive Vulnerability
One of the key themes of the training was cognitive resilience.
Rather than focusing only on technology, participants explored how human psychology plays a crucial role in the spread of misinformation.
Why do certain narratives spread so quickly?
Why are people more likely to believe information that confirms their existing views?
How do fear, uncertainty, and emotional reactions influence decision-making?
These discussions helped participants better understand the relationship between technology, human behaviour, and information ecosystems.
Expert Perspective
Digital media expert German Morris emphasized that resilience begins with awareness.
“Artificial intelligence is not the enemy. The challenge is learning how to use it responsibly while recognizing when it is being used to manipulate. The future belongs to people who can combine technological understanding with critical thinking.”
Participants also learned practical verification techniques for identifying suspicious content and assessing the credibility of online information.
Voices from Participants
The workshop generated lively discussion and reflection among participants.
“I had heard about deepfakes before, but I never realized how convincing they have become. The examples shown during the training were eye-opening.”
— Youth participant, Denmark
“What I found most valuable was learning about cognitive resilience. Understanding how emotions influence our reactions helps us become more conscious consumers of information.”
— Youth participant, Finland
Educators’ Reflection
Teachers and youth workers attending the workshop highlighted the importance of preparing young people for rapidly evolving digital realities.
“AI is becoming part of everyday life. We need to ensure that young people are not only users of technology but also critical thinkers who understand its implications.”
— Educator, Estonia
Looking Beyond Technology
A key message of the workshop was that technological solutions alone cannot solve the problem of disinformation.
Strong democratic societies require citizens who can think critically, evaluate evidence, engage respectfully with different perspectives, and resist attempts at manipulation.
These are skills that remain essential regardless of how technology evolves.
Coming Next
Building Democratic Resilience through Media Literacy and Civic Education
📅 20 May 2026
The next workshop will explore the relationship between media literacy, democracy, civic participation, and social trust.
Participants will examine how informed citizens contribute to stronger communities and how media literacy can help counter polarization and strengthen democratic resilience.
About Nordic Youth Media Lab
Nordic Youth Media Lab empowers young people across the Nordic-Baltic region to navigate the opportunities and challenges of the digital age through media literacy, democratic engagement, and international cooperation.
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