KATHMANDU, JUNE 28
Swiss Ambassador to Nepal Dr Danielle Meuwly said that artificial intelligence (AI) has the power to amplify both credible information and misinformation, stressing that critical thinking and fact-checking have become more important than ever in the digital age.
Addressing the 41st edition of the MediaTalk series organised by the Faculty of Journalism at St Xavier's College in Kathmandu, the ambassador said the abundance and speed of information in the AI era place greater responsibility on journalists, content creators and social media users.
"We live in a time where information is abundant-instant and powerful. AI can amplify both facts and fake news, making fact-checking essential, especially for young people," she said.
Emphasising the role of youth in safeguarding democratic values, Meuwly said their commitment to critical thinking, integrity and informed engagement would shape the future of democracy.
The event, held under the theme "Journalists vs. Content Creators: Complementing or Competing in Shaping Public Narratives," also featured a panel discussion on the evolving media landscape.
Umesh Chauhan, group editor at Himalaya TV and Onlinekhabar.com, said young audiences are increasingly consuming short-form digital content instead of in-depth news reports. He encouraged journalism students to gain first-hand newsroom experience to better understand the media's role in strengthening democratic societies.
Content creator and cultural critic Suraj Subedi argued that content creators can also serve as public watchdogs by critically examining their own biases and producing balanced and responsible content.
St Xavier's College Principal Fr Dr Augustine Thomas praised the event, saying it successfully stimulated discussion on one of the most pressing issues facing contemporary media while reflecting the competence of both students and faculty.
Faculty coordinator Chun Bahadur Gurung said the key question in the age of AI is not whether journalists or content creators shape public narratives, but how both can complement each other responsibly. He stressed that journalism would remain a pillar of democracy as long as it adheres to its core principles of accuracy, accountability and public service.
