Engaging the blackbox-glassbox paradox: Media imperatives in the era of artificial intelligence, By Omoniyi Ibietan

Importance of trust in the AI era and the need to engineer it for development.
The presentation at the First Mass Communication International Conference highlighted that communication is a cooperative social process of meaning-making and sharing.
Emphasized the pivotal role of theories like Amartya Sen’s “The Capability Approach” and Everett Rogers’ “Diffusion of Innovation” in understanding AI adoption in Nigeria.
Advocated for a phased implementation of Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), recommending media, security, agriculture, education, and health sectors as primary focus areas.
Discussed the Blackbox vs. Glassbox AI dilemma, focusing on AI-driven content curation and the need for transparent, accountable AI systems (Glassbox).
Introduced the VERIFY Protocol as a solution to combat AI-generated misinformation, stressing its importance in maintaining credibility and trustworthiness in media.
Proposed an “Engineering of Trust” model, stressing transparency, verification, and accountability in AI systems to safeguard national development and mitigate misinformation risks.
Highlighted policy implications for Nigeria, suggesting the establishment of Glassbox Disclosure Standards, AI Verification Competency Framework, National AI-Media Trust Index, and Trust Audits.
Concluded with a call for active media involvement in engineering trust to maintain integrity and avoid becoming vectors of instability.