Online manipulation is an increasingly widespread phenomenon in which Artificial Intelligence is used both to attack and to defend the integrity of information and public debate in digital spaces. This talk provides an overview of research exploring both sides of the issue. On the one hand, malicious actors exploit generative AI to quickly and cheaply create fake profiles and content that are often difficult to detect. On the other hand, AI offers tools to mitigate online harms, such as methods for detecting inauthentic accounts and coordinated information operations, as well as supporting fact-checking and content moderation. At the same time, it is essential to consider the limitations of these technologies, the potential unintended consequences of interactions between people and automated systems, and their vulnerability to bias and various forms of abuse.

Program

• 10:00 - 10:40 Talk
• 10:40 - 11:00 Coffee break
• 11:00 - 11:40 Talk
• 11:40 - 12:00 Q&A session

Speaker

Filippo Menczer is the Luddy distinguished professor of informatics and computer science and the director of the Observatory on Social Media at Indiana University. He earned a Laurea in Physics from the Sapienza University of Rome and a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Cognitive Science from the University of California, San Diego. His recent research focuses on the vulnerability of social media networks to disinformation and manipulation. Dr. Menczer is an ACM and AAAS Fellow.

Registration information

The event, organized by the Institute of Information Systems and Networking (ISIN) of SUPSI, is free of charge and will be held in English. Registration is appreciated by 19 April 2026.