BEA2026

Research Symposium: Communicating in an AI Driven World: The Impact of AI on Creators and Consumers of News and Entertainment -- Session 1: AI, Education, and Human Meaning-Making

Artificial intelligence is changing the way the world interacts with machines and people, as well as how media organizations operate. As society grapples with the use of AI, those in the field of mass communication must consider the how the opportunities AI offers come with ethical ramifications. Professional organizations (RTDNA, PRSA, AAF, NAB) have adopted professional codes and guidelines for using AI in industry.

The 2026 BEA Research Symposium will examine AI research in mass communication. As AI is implemented, it is important to remember the human connection those working in the media industry bring to communicating information. Media professionals transmit information that is influenced by their broader understanding, shared background, and empathy. How can the media industry ethically adopt a technology that is disrupting how people seek, consume, and produce information?

Moderator: Seungahn Nah, University of Florida

Almost Human, Not Quite: Exploring Human Responses to Physical AI
Michael Lee, Ball State University & Hyungseok Jang, Ball State University

‘T.O.M.I.! Pull up drone footage’: Children’s responses to AI-integrated storytelling in tackling climate literacy in an African cartoon
Twange Kasoma, Appalachian State University

Discourse on an AI Society in Media Education: Netnographic Analyses of Media Educator Conversations on AI “Best Practices”
Adam C. Earnheardt, Youngstown State University & Mary Beth Earnheardt, Youngstown State University