ISTANBUL

Anadolu launched the book “Artificial Intelligence and Journalism’s New Direction - Media Literacy in the Digital Age” on Tuesday, published by Anadolu Publications, along with a forum.

Serdar Karagoz, the president and CEO of Anadolu, opened the program, saying that as the world changes, the thing that affects this change the most is artificial intelligence (AI), and that this technology, with its powerful algorithm, can envision a future faster and more consistently than human thinking.

Noting that today’s wars are very different from those 50 years ago and that even more different wars are expected in 20 years, Karagoz said the book demonstrates what the new era will bring together with augmented reality.

He recalled that Anadolu declared 2024 the “Year of Artificial Intelligence.”

“We also said media is no longer independent from technology, and as Anadolu, our journalism, reporting, and agency activities must walk hand in hand with technology,” Karagoz said. “That is why we established Anadolu Technology Company (in 2024).”

He noted that many media outlets actively use ChatGPT or language-based artificial intelligence, saying, “We asked whether we could have our own language-based artificial intelligence. Today, Anadolu, together with the T3 Foundation, is working on exactly this.”

Karagoz said the book includes many innovative applications with QR codes and algorithms, saying: “We recommend this book to those seeking information and perspective. I believe the book brings a very significant contribution to Türkiye’s publishing life.”

Following Karagoz’s speech, a forum moderated by the book’s editor, Nabat Garakhanova of Bogazici University, brought together academics including Bilgin Metin of Bogazici University, Pelin Ozturk Gocmen of Haci Bayram University, Baris Atiker of Adnan Menderes University, and Rukiye Gulay Ozturk of Fenerbahce University.

Garakhanova said she was excited that the book is pioneering for journalists, noting she frequently updated the AI chapter as new developments emerged in the field.

She said every visual in the book has a QR code and that they also created a web-based version, adding: “In this book, you will be able to watch Anadolu’s news, get information, and also see sections interpreted by artificial intelligence itself.”

She said the book also includes futuristic parts, adding: “When we read the futuristic information and say ‘no way,’ we will see those things very soon.”

Metin shared insights on how to distinguish whether videos circulating on social media are produced by artificial intelligence.

“We use artificial intelligence along with its biases. When it makes comments that reach discrimination and touch on human rights, organizations using AI may face challenges. These datasets must be cleaned in the best way. If not, the errors in the datasets can lead to AI producing faulty results.”

Atiker said he recently began doubting whether images he sees on social media are real or AI-generated, like many others.

Ozturk also noted that people must balance benefits and harms while using digital devices and AI and not ignore personal boundaries.

“Today we are in a personal world that harmonizes both the digital and real world. Creativity is very important — a miraculous talent that comes from humans. Today, the best-awarded ads are still created by human hands.”

Gocmen emphasized that “digital identity” does not only refer to footprints left online, saying: “Algorithms create new identities from our footprints. We have different identities for different social media accounts or express ourselves differently in different digital environments.”

What does the book explain?

The book prepared by Anadolu Publications examines how the digital age radically transforms the production, transmission, and consumption processes of media.

Pointing out that journalists must now not only produce news but also read data, understand algorithms, and make ethical decisions, the book offers a comprehensive academic study addressing the future of journalism not only technologically but also ethically, psychologically, and culturally.

Transforming traditional reading habits, the book is the first journalism publication supported by augmented reality technology, allowing access to relevant videos, audio recordings and visual content through QR codes and the Artivive app in each chapter. Thus, the book is not only read but also experienced.