This closing session will delve into the profound and far-reaching impact of online platforms on journalism, democracy, and society at large. As tech giants continue to shape the way information is produced, distributed, and consumed, the discussion will explore both the opportunities and challenges that digital transformation presents for the media industry.

Panelists will examine the growing concerns surrounding the mental health effects of digital life, including the pressures of social media, the spread of misinformation, and the role of algorithm-driven content in shaping public discourse. The conversation will also address the future of journalism in an AI-driven world, questioning how automation, machine learning, and synthetic media are redefining traditional reporting, editorial processes, and audience engagement.

Additionally, the session will assess the role of European regulatory frameworks — such as the Digital Services Act and the AI Act — in creating a more accountable and transparent digital landscape. Can these policies help level the playing field between tech platforms and media organisations? How will they ensure greater responsibility in content moderation, data privacy, and AI-driven decision-making?

Goran Penić | Croatian Association for the Protection of Journalistic Copyrights
Iva Nenadić | Centre for media Pluralism and Media Freedom

Moderator: Božena Marković, student of journalism, Faculty of Croatian Studies Zagreb