Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 5 days ago
Journalism often amplifies hype, framing AI in metaphors of revolution, breakthrough, or even natural catastrophe. This can contribute to misguided decision-making and often feeds into political and economic power dynamics that are obscured by overpromising. This session introduces Hype Literacy, a framework developed by the hype studies group supported by DW Akademie that helps journalists identify inflated claims, hidden assumptions, and misleading narratives in AI coverage. A core focus will also be on how to evaluate AI benchmarks and metrics. It will be shown that benchmarks are not neutral measurement tools at all, but narrative devices that construct stories of progress. Drawing on examples from AI reporting in two African countries, the session presents evidence on how Western frames often shape coverage, leading to important topics being overlooked. Moderated by Steffen Leidel. Sponsored by DW Akademie.
Con: Karen Allen (researcher Centre for Information Integrity in Africa Stellenbosch University), Jascha Bareis (co-founder Hype Studies), Christo Buschek (investigative journalist DER SPIEGEL), Steffen Leidel (senior consultant Africa Department DW Akademie)
Journalism often amplifies hype, framing AI in metaphors of revolution, breakthrough, or even natural catastrophe. This can contribute to misguided decision-making and often feeds into political and economic power dynamics that are obscured by overpromising. This session introduces Hype Literacy, a framework developed by the hype studies group supported by DW Akademie that helps journalists identify inflated claims, hidden assumptions, and misleading narratives in AI coverage. A core focus will also be on how to evaluate AI benchmarks and metrics. It will be shown that benchmarks are not neutral measurement tools at all, but narrative devices that construct stories of progress. Drawing on examples from AI reporting in two African countries, the session presents evidence on how Western frames often shape coverage, leading to important topics being overlooked. Moderated by Steffen Leidel. Sponsored by DW Akademie.
Con: Karen Allen (researcher Centre for Information Integrity in Africa Stellenbosch University), Jascha Bareis (co-founder Hype Studies), Christo Buschek (investigative journalist DER SPIEGEL), Steffen Leidel (senior consultant Africa Department DW Akademie)
