Knowledge in the Age of Disinformation and AI

Knowledge in the Age of Disinformation and AI

From World Bank | The Development Podcast by World Bank

March 12, 2026 · 23 min · Season 1 · Episode 63

About this episode

This episode explores the evolution of knowledge in the context of AI and disinformation, featuring insights from tech journalist Jamie Bartlett and World Bank's Paschal Donohoe.

What does knowledge mean in an age of AI, deepfakes, and disinformation? When information is everywhere, the real challenge is distinguishing insight from noise. In this episode of the Development Podcast, host Toni Karasanyi explores how knowledge is evolving in a world where machines can generate convincing arguments and personalized realities shape how we consume information. Tech journalist Jamie Bartlett , author of How to Talk to AI (And How Not To) , explains how individuals can use AI tools without being misled — and why critical thinking matters more than ever. Paschal Donohoe , the World Bank Group’s Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer, discusses how the Bank is turning more than 80 years of global development experience into practical knowledge that helps countries tackle challenges, including creating jobs and scale solutions in a fast-changing world. Timestamps [00:00] Is knowledge still power? [03:10] How AI can alter our understanding of the world [10:24] How we can use Large Language Models (LLMs) better [13:32] Why results and evidence matter [18:52] The future of AI in development

People in this episode

Host: Toni Karasanyi

Guest: Jamie Bartlett

Topics covered

  • disinformation
  • AI
  • knowledge
  • critical thinking
  • global development

Keywords

  • AI
  • disinformation
  • knowledge
  • critical thinking
  • global development
  • deepfakes
  • Large Language Models

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: World Bank

Books & works: How to Talk to AI (And How Not To)

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