Navigating My AI Journey: The Power of Literacy in Overcoming Challenges

Abstract

In the face of rapid AI advancements, my unexpected layoff from Microsoft News in June 2020 marked the beginning of a transformative journey. With a rich journalism background spanning over a decade, including roles at Zeenews and Jagran, I found myself grappling with uncertainty. This led to a deep curiosity about AI, prompting me to enroll in a PhD program despite personal challenges. My freelance work for Alkem Laboratories reignited my motivation as I began interviewing AI experts, bridging the gap between journalism and academia.

In August 2023, I launched the “AI Literacy: Bridging the Gap” series, merging generative AI concepts with media literacy. Utilizing innovative techniques like avatars to illustrate deepfake implications, I resonated with audiences eager for knowledge. This initiative gained recognition, culminating in a GOLD award at the Afaqs Media Brand Awards 2024.

As I look ahead to 2025, my vision is clear: to become a principal researcher in R&D for newsroom products, complete my PhD, and expand my efforts in AI literacy. The journey, though fraught with challenges, has been rewarding, underscoring the importance of continuous learning in an ever-evolving landscape.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence, AI Literacy, Journalism

In a world grappling with the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence, my journey with this technology in India began unexpectedly in June 2020. I was laid off from the Microsoft News website (www.msn.com) as the company pivoted toward automation, reducing the number of human editors on its homepage in India. This sudden change left me feeling lost as job=money=security, right?; and job security, which I had always taken for granted, was suddenly uncertain.

Reflecting on my background in journalism, I have cultivated a versatile career since 2008, starting with Zeenews—one of the first English news websites from a Hindi news channel in India. My journey took me through various roles across prominent digital platforms, including Bhaskar, Jagran, and NewsNation. In 2016, I moved to the US and had the privilege of working for India Journal (now India West), gaining insights into the lives of first-generation Indians. After returning to India in 2018 and joining MSN, the wave of automation in 2020 marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

In August 2020, amidst my job search, I started freelancing for Alkem Laboratories’ in-house magazine, Kaleidoscope. However, the layoff instilled a deeper curiosity about Artificial Intelligence—initially a source of dread for me. Determined to confront my fears, I enrolled in a PhD program. While my primary goal was not to become a researcher, I was eager to understand something entirely new. The years 2021-2022 were particularly challenging, marked by personal losses in my family, yet I remained committed to my passion. I began interviewing experts in AI through video journalism, which reignited my motivation.

My journey continued when I accepted a role at Jagran New Media in fact-checking and media literacy. While grappling with academic hurdles, I recognised a critical gap: the disconnect between industry practitioners and academics. It became evident that aspiring journalists needed robust education to navigate the complexities of AI technology.

By 2022, I focused on networking, aiming to deepen my understanding of AI. Despite feeling out of place sometimes, I was convinced that AI represented the future but the clear goal was missing. The launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 was a pivotal moment for me. I began to explore generative AI extensively, alongside other emerging tools like Gemini and Claude. The proliferation of AI-generated misinformation highlighted the urgent need for regulations and education, a cause my team at JNM, Vishvas News, staunchly supports.

As debates surrounding generative AI intensified, I realised the pressing need for AI literacy. While numerous advanced courses existed, they often felt inaccessible to the average person. After attending the Global Fact 10 Conference in June 2023, I resolved to focus my efforts on bridging this gap. Though my academic path faced setbacks, including a change in PhD supervision, I persevered by immersing myself in relevant literature and expanding my professional network.

In August 2023, I launched my AI Literacy: Bridging the Gap series, where I combined generative AI concepts with elements of fact-checking and media literacy. To engage my audience effectively, I utilised technology to create avatars and clones, demonstrating the implications of deepfake misinformation. This approach proved successful, resonating with viewers eager to learn through visual storytelling. The series has yielded nearly 18 videos so far, showcasing a range of formats from expert interviews to curriculum-based content. You can find the playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtVS3gvsXLNMTIoSSxTMAX6armXQ0aIGv 

My efforts culminated in recognition at the Afaqs Media Brand Awards 2024, where our team received a GOLD award in the video category. As I reflect on this journey, I recognise the path has been filled with challenges but has also been immensely rewarding. In 2025, I am ready to face the greater set of challenges and opportunities with Generative AI, but I have a clearer vision for my future: to serve as a principal researcher in R&D for newsroom products, complete my PhD, continue my work in AI Literacy, bridge the AI gap for the Generation Alpha and Beta and maybe go beyond and experiment with something that is still untouched and unexplored. 

The road ahead may not be easy, but I am committed to advancing my knowledge and skills while leveraging generative AI to benefit the journalism community. Here’s to continuous learning, unlearning, and re-learning!