Swiss Ambassador at St. Xavier’s College MediaTalk Series: Fact-Checking Is Essential in the Age of AI
Her Excellency Dr. Danielle Meuwly, Ambassador of Switzerland to Nepal, has said that fact-checking is necessary, especially among young people, because artificial intelligence (AI) can rapidly spread both facts and misinformation, including fake news. She expressed this view while speaking as the special guest at “MediaTalk Series–41,” organized by the Department of Journalism at St. Xavier’s College.
Stating that information now flows instantly and powerfully in the current age of information overload, Ambassador Meuwly said that everyone, whether as a journalist, content creator, or social media user, is shaping public discourse. Addressing young people, she said, “Your voice and your choices matter. Your commitment to critical thinking, integrity, and informed participation will determine the future of democracy.”
The program, held under the main theme “Journalist vs Content Creator: Complementary or Competitive in Shaping Public Discourse?”, featured an expert panel including Umesh Chauhan, Group Editor of Himalaya TV and Onlinekhabar.com, and Suraj Subedi, content creator and cultural critic.
Senior journalist Chauhan pointed out that young people are increasingly developing the habit of consuming short-form content rather than detailed reporting. He urged students studying mass communication and journalism to gain direct newsroom experience to understand the role of journalists in a democratic society.
Similarly, content creator Subedi argued that content creators can also work as a “watchdog” in society. He emphasized that content creators must review and challenge their own biases to produce balanced, responsible, and effective content.
At the program, the college principal, Father Dr. Augustine Thomas, praised the event, saying that the choice of subject matter and excellent execution reflected the students’ capacity and the faculty members’ dedication.
Likewise, Chun Bahadur Gurung, Faculty Coordinator of the MediaTalk Series, said that in the age of AI, the main issue is not whether journalists or content creators shape public discourse, but how both can work responsibly as complements to each other to strengthen a democratic society. He clarified that when journalism is practiced according to its core principles, it will always remain a pillar of democracy.
