From policy to pedagogy: Applying infodemic governance to instructional design

Workshop background As a field of science, study, practice, and policy, infodemic management has emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic but has since been emancipated and can be translated to any topic where information ecosystems play a vital role. In particular relevant to public health, infodemic managers have grown in the ranks of institutes of public health, academic institutions, UN agencies and civil society organizations, tackling outbreaks and public health issues as wide as mpox, Marburg, teen mental health, chronic diseases, seasonal influenza, Ebola and routine immunization. Aiming at improving public health strategies, they are responsible for exploring and investigating personal and organizational (health) information ecosystem, generating evidence, identifying patterns of communication and information flow, tackling the onset and distribution of circulating mis- and disinformation, better understanding information voids, and respond to citizen needs concerning information demands around emergencies. In this workshop, we will focus on several common challenges associated with implementing whole-of-society interventions and strategies for resilience to health misinformation. Solving these challenges, which often are too big just for the health system to solve, will sometimes require creativity, out-of-the-box thinking as well as cross-disciplinary perspectives and new partnerships. Infodemics are also a global challenge that can easily cross borders, which is why country-to-country discussions of experiences by participants is encouraged-while no previous infodemic management experience is required. Workshop objectives The workshop will be organized as a research symposium with five speakers from infodemic management, health information, and health literacy. They will provide a solid introduction to infodemic management from different perspectives and angles. (i) The first presentation will introduce a study on health information seeking and health literacy in midwife-led care and the modern information environment. (ii) The second presentation will discuss how fact-checking organizations can partner within public health for a healthier internet. (iii) The third presentation will focus on unravelling misinformation by investigating the associations between health literacy and resilience. (iv) The fourth presentation will present a novel web-platform for credible health information and tackling misinformation. (v) The fifth presentation focuses on the impact of misinformation on social media in the context of natural disasters. The format of this workshop will be 5x8-minute presentations, including Q&A with the audiences, followed by a 20-minute panel discussion, reflecting the relevance of the results to public health research, practice and policy. Key messages • Infodemic management seeks to quickly understand the public’s information and health needs improve future public health responses, especially during emergencies. • Whole-of-society approaches are needed to address and mitigate harms caused by infodemics by developing closer partnerships and understanding between health systems and the public.

Best practices in nutrition science to earn and keep the public's trust

IntroductionArtificial intelligence (AI) holds the potential to fundamentally transform how public health authorities use risk communication, community engagement and infodemic management (RCCE-IM) to prepare for, manage and mitigate public health emergencies. As research on this crucial transformation remains limited, we conducted a modified Delphi study on the impact of AI on RCCE-IM.MethodsIn two successive surveys, 54 experts―scholars with expertise in public health, digital health, health communication, risk communication and AI, as well as RCCE-IM professionals―from 27 countries assessed opportunities, challenges and risks of AI, anticipated future scenarios, and identified principles and actions to facilitate the responsible use of AI. The first Delphi round followed an open, exploratory approach, while the second sought to prioritise and rank key findings from the initial phase. Qualitative thematic analysis and statistical methods were applied to evaluate responses.ResultsAccording to the expert panel, AI could be highly beneficial, particularly for risk communication (eg, tailoring messages) and infodemic management (eg, social listening), while its utility for fostering community engagement was viewed more critically. Challenges and risks affect all three components of RCCE-IM equally, with algorithmic bias and privacy breaches being of particular concern. Panellists anticipated both optimistic (eg, democratisation of information) and pessimistic (eg, erosion of public trust) future scenarios. They identified seven principles for the responsible use of AI for public health practices, with equity and transparency being the most important. Prioritised actions ranged from regulatory measures, resource allocation and feedback loops to capacity building, public trust initiatives and educational training.ConclusionTo responsibly navigate the multifaceted opportunities, challenges and risks of AI for RCCE-IM in public health emergencies, clear guiding principles, ongoing critical evaluation and training as well as societal collaboration across countries are needed.

Background: The information environment significantly impacts public health decisions, behaviors, and health security. The spread of misinformation and disinformation, known as the infodemic, undermines health interventions and public trust. Addressing this challenge requires innovative transformations in public health education to create a competent workforce. This study aimed to assess the scope and relevance of infodemic management (IM) across different academic fields and identify the training needs to enhance the current educational frameworks. Methods and Objectives: As part of the US Federal Assistance Award within the University Partnership Program between Emory University and the University of Belgrade, a mixed-methods study was conducted. The curricula of all 31 faculties at the University of Belgrade were evaluated, and an online survey was distributed to deans and selected teaching personnel. This approach provided a comprehensive view of the current educational framework and opinions on IM in various academic fields. Results: The survey received 33 responses from different departments at the University of Belgrade. Over 75% of participants identified misinformation as prevalent in their respective fields. More than half of the respondents believe that students are not sufficiently familiar with the concept of the infodemic and its potential consequences. Only 9% believe these topics are well covered in the current curriculum, and over 90% agree that additional content on IM is required to update study programs, indicating a significant gap in the current educational approach. Conclusions: The academic community widely acknowledges the issue of misinformation and its negative impact on public health. Current gaps in academic curricula highlight the critical necessity of integrating IM into educational programs. This innovative approach will equip future specialists with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of the modern information ecosystem.

Cross-sector collaboration has become a major emphasis in collective action as governments, private corporations, and nonprofits work together to tackle today’s complex issues. The existing cross-sector collaboration literature primarily addresses major events like natural disasters, e.g., hurricanes and wildfires, and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a significant gap in the public administration literature regarding cross-sector collaboration in addressing underlying social and financial issues. This paper discusses the need for public budgeting best practices through cross-sector collaboration in three areas: (1) equity; (2) transparency and accountability; and (3) ethics. Through the collaborative governance theory, each sector—public, private, and nonprofit—can contribute to the integration of resources, networks, and approaches for the benefit of citizens. This paper concludes by highlighting key implications for theory and praxis, including an increase in public trust and a greater emphasis on inclusivity in the budgeting process.

The 2024 elections are marked by serious challenges in the form of the spread of hoaxes and disinformation that could trigger social conflict and undermine public trust. In this situation, the Indonesian National Police's Intelligence and Security Agency (Baintelkam Polri) has a strategic role to play in early detection and prevention to maintain political stability and national security. This research seeks to investigate the strategic significance of the Baintelkam Polri in thwarting hoaxes and misinformation in the upcoming 2024 elections, assess the risks and obstacles presented by the dissemination of false information on online platforms, and appraise the efficacy of inter-sectoral partnerships in upholding political stability and the integrity of democracy. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method, with data collected through interviews, observations, and documentary studies. The findings reveal that: 1) The 2024 elections are vulnerable to the spread of hoaxes and disinformation, particularly through video content on platforms like YouTube and Facebook, targeting areas with low digital literacy and high social tension. These hoaxes have the potential to trigger social conflict and political polarisation; 2) Baintelkam Polri plays a strategic role in preventing hoaxes and disinformation during the 2024 elections through digital intelligence monitoring, mapping regional vulnerability indices, and educating the public on digital literacy. Through cross-sector collaboration and intelligence technology, Baintelkam Polri maintains security and social stability by ensuring that the democratic process runs safely and smoothly. These efforts strengthen public trust and minimise the negative impact of hoaxes and disinformation in the elections.

Background The information environment significantly impacts public health decisions, behaviors, and health security. Misinformation and disinformation can compromise health interventions and undermine public trust, and this phenomenon, known as the infodemic, is increasingly challenging to address and requires innovation and transformation of public health and education of the health workforce. This study aimed to assess the relevance of infodemic management (IM) to different academic fields and training needs to create a competent workforce. Methods As part of the US Federal Assistance Award within the University Partnership Program between Emory University and the University of Belgrade, a mixed-methods study was conducted to evaluate the curricula of all 31 faculties at the University of Belgrade. An online survey was distributed to faculty deans to assess the current educational framework and opinions on IM in various academic fields. This approach provided a multidimensional view of how IM is perceived and integrated across diverse disciplines. Results The survey received 33 responses from different departments at the University of Belgrade. Over 75% of participants identified misinformation as prevalent in their respective fields. More than half of the respondents believe that students are not sufficiently familiar with the concept of the infodemic and its potential consequences, only 9% believe these topics are well covered in the current curriculum, and over 90% agree that additional content on IM is required to update study programs, indicating a gap in our current educational approach. Conclusions Academic circles have acknowledged the issue of misinformation and its negative impact on public health. Current gaps in academic curricula indicate the critical necessity of integrating IM into educational programs. This innovative approach will provide future specialists with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of the modern information ecosystem. Key messages • Over 75% of surveyed professors identify misinformation and disinformation as prevalent in their professional fields, indicating a widespread impact. • Over half of professors feel academic programs do not sufficiently equip students to navigate the information ecosystem, with over 90% calling for additional infodemiology content.

As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly powers public-facing digital services, ensuring its integration is guided by ethical, transparent, and accountable frameworks has become critical. This study proposes a conceptual model for responsible AI integration in the design, delivery, and governance of digital platforms within the public sector. The model is informed by a systematic synthesis of academic literature, government reports, and real-world case studies spanning healthcare, digital identity systems, e-governance platforms, and intelligent public services from 2015 to 2024. The review highlights that while AI offers transformative benefits such as automation, personalization, and predictive analytics it also introduces risks including algorithmic bias, opacity, surveillance concerns, and inequitable access. The proposed model comprises five interlocking components: stakeholder-centered design, algorithmic transparency, regulatory compliance, human oversight, and adaptive feedback loops. These components are aligned with international principles such as fairness, explainability, accountability, and human-centric innovation. At the heart of the model is the integration of Responsible AI practices into platform governance mechanisms, ensuring that public trust, user agency, and digital equity are preserved. The model advocates for inclusive stakeholder engagement at every stage from needs assessment to deployment and monitoring alongside policy instruments that support continuous evaluation and redress mechanisms. Furthermore, it emphasizes cross-sector collaboration between technologists, policymakers, ethicists, and civil society organizations to ensure multidimensional accountability. Case insights from AI-powered welfare systems, smart city initiatives, and intelligent public health platforms demonstrate both the potential and pitfalls of AI when ethical considerations are not systematically embedded. The model offers a flexible blueprint adaptable to various scales of governance and institutional capacities, providing a pathway to bridge technological advancement with democratic values. This conceptual model contributes to the growing discourse on digital trust and responsible innovation, serving as a strategic tool for governments, platform designers, and regulators seeking to deploy AI technologies in ways that enhance service delivery while safeguarding public interest.

This study investigates the cognitive impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the spread of fake news via social media, focusing on public perceptions and democratic resilience. In an era where AI is emerging technology and used to generate and amplify disinformation, understanding its influence on public opinion and trust in democratic institutions is crucial. There remains a significant gap in empirical research that quantifies how AI-driven fake news affects public perception and the capacity of democratic societies to withstand such manipulation. Using a structured quantitative research design, data was collected through a survey administered to 250 participants across diverse disciplines and academic backgrounds from the university of Karachi. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis to explore correlations and causal relationships. The findings reveal a strong correlation between high exposure to AI generated fake news content based on posts, videos and images leading to mistrust in public and democratic institutions. AI has been widely used in spreading of the fake news particularly AI made videos of the political or social media influencer. AI algorithm is more involved in consensus development in political context. However, digital literacy and critical thinking skills served as significant protective factors against AI based misinformation. The study recommends implementing comprehensive media literacy programs, stricter AI content regulation policies, and public awareness campaigns to enhance democratic resilience.

Background Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds the potential to fundamentally transform public health communication - presenting promising opportunities alongside profound challenges and risks. This two-wave Delphi study therefore invited practitioners and scholars to assess the potential impact of AI on the risk communication, community engagement, and infodemic management (RCCE-IM) of public health authorities in European and Central Asian countries. Methods In two successive online surveys, 54 experts - both RCCE-IM practitioners and scholars with expertise in (digital) health communication, risk communication, and AI - from 28 countries provided their assessment of the following analytical dimensions: (1) opportunities, challenges, and risks of AI, (2) conditions for the responsible use of AI, (3) potential future scenarios, and (4) prioritized actions. The first Delphi wave followed an open and exploratory approach, while the second wave sought to prioritize and rank key findings from the previous round. The survey instruments included open-ended and closed-ended questions that were analyzed through statistical analysis, inductive and deductive coding. Results Results showed that AI holds various opportunities for the RCCE-IM of public health communicators. Challenges and risks, such as algorithmic bias or concerns about inclusivity, equally affect RCCE-IM efforts. Experts identified seven principles for the responsible use of AI (e.g., fair, human-centered) and predicted optimistic (e.g., optimized workflows) and pessimistic (e.g., flood of (mis)information) scenarios for the future impact of AI. Prioritized actions range from regulation, resource allocation, and feedback to capacity building, public trust, and education. Conclusions To responsibly navigate the opportunities, challenges, and risks of AI for public health emergency communication, clear guiding principles, ongoing critical evaluation, and multi-sectoral collaboration are needed. Key messages • AI is likely to transform public health emergency communication. • A set of agreed-upon principles will support public health authorities in the responsible management of the opportunities, challenges, and risks of AI.

The COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most critical health crises in recent history, resulted in nearly 7 million deaths worldwide. The ensuing infodemic, characterized by the proliferation of information about the virus and vaccines, persisted beyond the cessation of the international public health emergency. In Brazil, this infodemic had collateral effects, including increase and structuring of anti-vaccine groups, reduced overall vaccine coverage, and a crisis of public trust, exacerbated by government dissemination of disinformation through official channels. This paper examines the interplay between government authorities and disinformation in Brazil, identifying key pitfalls and actors instrumental in maintaining public trust. Given that trustworthy sources of information are foundational to effective infodemic management, the collaboration of medical scientific societies, government entities, and national and international agencies is essential for a robust response. Necessary investments include (1) implementing epidemiological surveillance through social listening; (2) establishing a transparent, efficient, and agile communication strategy from public health authorities; and (3) enforcing stringent regulations and accountability measures for online disinformation.

Social media has transformed communication, information dissemination, and public interaction, profoundly influencing media literacy and public trust. This study explores the impact of social media usage on media literacy and public trust among students in media studies and political science departments in South Punjab, Pakistan. The objective is to examine how social media shapes critical evaluation skills and trust in institutions. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected through convenience sampling from 232 participants. A structured questionnaire was used as the primary tool, focusing on social media usage, media literacy, and public trust. Data were analyzed using SPSS for reliability, validity, and regression analysis. Results indicated significant positive relationships between social media usage and media literacy (r = 0.62, p < 0.001) and public trust (r = 0.37, p < 0.001). Regression analysis further confirmed that social media usage significantly predicts media literacy (R² = 0.62) and public trust (R² = 0.37). Despite its contributions, this study has limitations, including its reliance on self-reported data, convenience sampling, and the inability to establish causality. Future directions include longitudinal studies, diverse samples, and exploring moderating factors like digital literacy or cultural influences. These findings emphasize social media’s potential to foster critical skills and trust.

This comprehensive review examines the critical role of crisis communication in the context of U.S. national security, with a focus on the importance of timely and accurate information dissemination. The study explores the evolution of crisis communication strategies within the national security apparatus, assessing their effectiveness in managing public perception and trust during national crises. Through a methodological synthesis of case studies and content analysis, the review identifies best practices and challenges in crisis communication, including the balance between transparency and security, the impact of misinformation, and the implications of technological advancements. Historical perspectives provide insights into past national security crises, informing the development of current organizational structures and interagency coordination for crisis communication. The role of digital media is critically analyzed, emphasizing its influence on modern communication dynamics. The research culminates in policy recommendations aimed at enhancing crisis communication preparedness, developing resilient infrastructures, and fostering international cooperation. The findings suggest that strategic improvements in crisis communication are imperative for the effective safeguarding of national interests in an increasingly interconnected and information-driven world.
 Keywords: Crisis Communication, National Security, Information Dissemination, Public Trust, Digital Media.

Public trust in U.S. democratic institutions is at historic lows, particularly among younger generations. This study examines how narrative framing of democracy influences adolescents’ coping strategies and civic engagement intentions. Ninety-three high school students in New Jersey were randomly assigned to read pessimistic, neutral, or optimistic passages about the state of U.S. democracy and completed survey measures adapted from the COPE Inventory. Factor analysis revealed three clusters of responses: active engagement, institutional confidence, and voting intention. Results showed that neutral frames paradoxically produced the lowest confidence in democracy, while pessimistic frames heightened concern and correlated with greater willingness to engage in protest or activism. These findings extend research on framing effects (Cappella & Jamieson, 1996) and youth political psychology (Oosterhoff et al., 2018) by highlighting the role of coping mechanisms in democratic resilience. Implications suggest that civic education and political communication strategies should account for the ways adolescents transform concern into constructive participation.

The ongoing conflict with Russia has posed unprecedented challenges to Ukraine's democratic governance, requiring innovative strategies to maintain institutional functionality and public trust. This article investigates the contributions of participatory budgeting (PB) to bolster democratic resilience across two key periods: the foundational phase of democratic innovations (2015–2021) and their wartime adaptations (2022–2024), while briefly referencing digital democracy tools as part of Ukraine's broader institutional landscape. PB has supported civic engagement and strengthened trust in local governance, while digital tools have improved transparency, accountability, and service delivery under crisis conditions. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study evaluates how these innovations have been adapted to meet the demands of conflict, offering practical insights for sustaining democratic governance in extreme conditions. The findings underline the potential of democratic innovations to bolster governance resilience, with implications for other conflict-affected contexts.