Real or generated? Critical Perspectives on Generative AI
Two webinars with Debora Barletta to develop a critical eye on digital fictions, scams, and propaganda
Generative AI is changing our relationship with reality: deepfakes, fabricated events, and influencers that do not exist. In two webinars, Debora Barletta will guide participants in recognising AI-generated visual manipulations, understanding their implications, and developing critical tools to navigate an increasingly AI-shaped digital landscape.
Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 July, 2026 | 17:00-18:30
Live on Zoom
Agenda
Wednesday 29 July | 17:00-18:30
Filters, Fictions and Scams: AI and the images that deceive us
A face without pores, a “before and after” that no diet could ever produce, a video that looks authentic but is not. With generative AI, modifying an image no longer requires technical expertise: a few seconds and an app may be enough.
In this first session, we will learn how to recognise the signs of manipulated images and videos and understand why they matter. Because this is not only about aesthetics: the same technology that creates unrealistic beauty standards also fuels a growing market of scams — miracle diets, fake “wonder” pills, and fabricated testimonials — exploiting our trust in what we see.
We will explore how to develop a more critical approach to visual content and stop believing an image simply because it looks real or because it reflects a supposedly “perfect” reality.
Click here to join the webinar on Wednesday 29 July
Monday 3 August | 17:00-18:30
The battle of images: AI, propaganda and the power of normalisation
From the Iran–Israel–US conflict — where fabricated missile launches, video game footage presented as real events, and deepfakes circulated widely on social media — to the communication strategies of national and local leaders, AI has become a tool for shaping public opinion and discrediting opponents.
In this second session, we will explore concrete and recent examples and ask a key question: what is the real risk? Not only being deceived once, but becoming accustomed to deception.
When manipulated images and narratives become part of our everyday environment, we may stop questioning them and begin to accept them as normal. We will conclude on a constructive note by exploring practical ways to use AI as an ally: a tool that can enhance our critical thinking rather than replace it.
Click here to watch the webinar on Monday 3 August
Partners
- Coordinator: ASOCIACION CIFAL MALAGA, Spain
- CIEDES, Spain
- IBCM – Public International Business College Mitrovica, Kosovo
- Centro per lo Sviluppo Creativo Danilo Dolci ETS, Italy
- NEMZETI IFJUSAGI TANACS, Hungary
- Bakcso Természetjaro, Termeszetvedo, Kulturalis es Szabadidosport Egyesulet, Hungary
- CIFAL Flanders, Belgium
- YOUTH POWER GERMANY EV, Germany
- UNITAR, Switzerland
To get updates about ACTIVATE and sign up for upcoming events, please contact Melisa Bucur: melisa.bucur@danilodolci.org.
ACTIVATE – Active Citizens for a Stronger Europe is a project funded by the CERV-2025-CITIZENS-CIV (Citizens’ engagement and participation) programme, with the aim of revitalising civic engagement amongst young people through creative approaches and the strengthening of civic skills.