University Panel to Explore Ethics and Impact of AI-Generated Images

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence-generated images presents both opportunities and challenges for professionals in creative and technology fields. 

These tools can dramatically accelerate the creative process and expand access to skills that once took years to master. But they also raise complex questions about authorship, copyright, transparency and the public's ability to trust what they see. 

The Technology-Empowered Storytelling Lab (TESL), based in the School of Art, and the Center for Media Ethics and Literacy (CMEL), part of the School of Journalism and Strategic Media, will co-host a public panel and demonstration on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at the Studio and Design Center. The event is free and open to the community. 

Both TESL and CMEL are housed within the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. 

Event Details 

Why Are We Scared of AI-Generated Images? 
Storytelling, Trust and the Ethics of Machine-Made Imagery 

• Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m. 
  Refreshments and interactive exhibits begin at 5 p.m. 

• Date: Wednesday, Jan. 28 

• Location: Studio + Design Center (SDCR 201- Commons Lobby).  
  696 W. Praxis Ln. 

• Parking: Attendees are encouraged to use Lot 520 behind the Studio + Design Center. No parking pass is required after 5 p.m.  

Why AI Matters 

AI-generated images now circulate widely across journalism, art, social media and marketing, often indistinguishable from photographs of real people and places. As these images become more convincing, questions of authenticity, authorship and trust become increasingly urgent. 

"This event invites students and faculty to pause and examine why these images feel unsettling and what that discomfort reveals about how we assign truth to what we see," said Nadia Issa, Ph.D., TESL founder and teaching assistant professor of graphic design.  

"AI imagery doesn't just challenge technology norms. It challenges cultural assumptions about evidence, credibility and visual authority." 

Program Details 

The evening will begin with a brief demonstration of AI image generation, followed by a moderated panel discussion and audience Q&A. Panelists represent multiple academic disciplines, reflecting the wide-ranging impact of AI-generated content. 

Panelists 

• David Fredrick, Ph.D. — Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures; Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences 

• Bobbie Foster, Ph.D. — School of Journalism and Strategic Media, Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences 

• Tamara Ruth, Ph.D. — Department of Information Systems, Sam M. Walton College of Business 

• Zach Stelman, Ph.D. — Department of Information Systems, Sam M. Walton College of Business 

Moderators 

• Nadia Issa, Ph.D. — teaching assistant professor of graphic design, School of Art, TESL founder 

• Christopher Spencer — associate director of marketing and communications, College of Engineering, TESL member 

The event marks the first formal collaboration between TESL and CMEL, two campus initiatives focused on ethical, creative and responsible engagement with emerging media technologies and storytelling. 

About the Technology-Empowered Storytelling Lab: The Technology-Empowered Storytelling Lab, or TESL, at the University of Arkansas School of Art explores how emerging technologies shape the stories we tell and who gets to tell them. TESL connects students, faculty and community partners to experiment with AI, AR/VR and other digital tools that expand creative expression and cultural understanding, advancing inclusive access to storytelling technologies and preserving non-dominant narratives through research, mentorship and collaboration. Follow TESL on Instagram at @tesl.lab to see current projects and upcoming events. 

About the Center for Media Ethics and Literacy: The Center for Media Ethics and Literacy is part of the School of Journalism and Strategic Media in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. The Center provides resources, education and support for journalists, students and educators. CMEL's mission is to prepare students for challenges they will face in the real world as creators and consumers of media. By supplementing classroom training with expert-led programming, collaborating with SJSM professors on curricula, and pushing for increased access to media ethics and literacy education across the U of A and beyond, the center moves toward its vision of building a generation of professionals who engage critically with the media they consume and act ethically in the work they do. Follow @uarkmediaethics on Instagram and see journalismethics.uark.edu for more information.