Athens Hosts International Edukathon to Tackle AI’s Impact on Media Literacy
ATHENS, GREECE – From September 3rd to 5th, 2025, the ancient city of Athens will become a hub for innovation and collaboration as 70 participants from 18 countries converge for the TADAM Media Edukathon. This intensive two-and-a-half-day event, organized under the umbrella of the TADAM (Tools & Awareness about Disinformation, Algorithm and Media) project, aims to address the transformative influence of artificial intelligence on how we access, process, and disseminate information. With the support of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliates, including the French Syndicat National des Journalistes (SNJ) and the Federación de Asociación de Periodistas de España (FAPE), the Edukathon brings together media educators, researchers, and journalists to explore creative and impactful media education strategies in the age of AI.
The TADAM Media Edukathon will serve as a dynamic platform for brainstorming and co-creation, where participants will collaborate in teams to develop practical tools and resources to empower individuals in navigating the evolving information landscape shaped by AI. Recognizing the rapid advancements and pervasive nature of AI, the Edukathon seeks to equip citizens with the critical thinking skills and media literacy competencies necessary to discern credible information from misinformation, understand the influence of algorithms, and engage responsibly with AI-driven media platforms. The event’s emphasis on innovation underscores the need for agile and adaptable solutions that can keep pace with the ever-changing digital environment.
The challenges posed by AI in the media sphere are multifaceted. The proliferation of AI-generated content, often indistinguishable from authentic sources, presents a significant threat to the integrity of information. Algorithmic bias, inherent in the design and deployment of AI systems, can perpetuate existing societal inequalities and reinforce echo chambers, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives. Furthermore, the increasing sophistication of deepfakes and other manipulative technologies raises concerns about the potential for malicious actors to spread disinformation and erode trust in legitimate news sources. The TADAM Media Edukathon will address these challenges head-on, fostering dialogue and collaboration among experts to develop effective countermeasures.
The collaborative nature of the Edukathon is crucial to its success. By bringing together diverse expertise from across the media landscape, including educators, journalists, and researchers, the event aims to generate a wide range of perspectives and innovative solutions. The international representation from 18 countries further enriches the discussions, reflecting the global nature of the challenges posed by AI in the information ecosystem. The Edukathon’s focus on practical tool development ensures that the outcomes of the event will be directly applicable to real-world scenarios, empowering individuals and communities to navigate the complexities of the AI-driven media landscape.
The TADAM project, funded by the Creative Europe programme, has a history of fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of media literacy. Prior to the Athens Edukathon, the project has organized a series of seminars, workshops, and webinars across Europe, engaging with partners in Belgium, France, Italy, Greece, Finland, Montenegro, Macedonia, and other countries. These initiatives have laid the groundwork for the Edukathon, establishing a network of experts and fostering a collaborative environment conducive to developing innovative solutions. The results of the TADAM Media Edukathon will be disseminated through the project’s online platform at the end of 2025, ensuring that the valuable insights and resources generated during the event are accessible to a wider audience.
The TADAM Media Edukathon represents a significant step forward in addressing the complex challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in the media. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and practical tool development, the event aims to empower individuals and communities to navigate the evolving information landscape with critical thinking and media literacy skills. The Edukathon’s outcomes will contribute to a broader effort to ensure that AI serves as a force for good in the media, promoting informed citizenship and fostering a more equitable and resilient information ecosystem. The dissemination of the Edukathon’s results through the TADAM project’s online platform will further amplify the impact of this important initiative, extending its reach to a global audience and contributing to ongoing efforts to promote media literacy in the age of AI.