by M. A. Torrent

“Consolidating information power in a few massive platforms can be problematic. Some economists compare misinformation to pollution. Prebunking – or inoculating people before they encounter falsehoods – can significantly bolster defenses. Another potent way to curb disinformation is by targeting its profitability.“

This is the second half of a two-part series on cognitive warfare.

In Part 1 of this article I introduced the problem of cognitive warfare weaving its way into our information ecosystems. Cognitive warfare, in short, is a strategy to influence or manipulate a population’s perceptions, beliefs, and therefore decisions by exploiting psychological vulnerabilities through available media systems, often via misinformation tactics. Fuelled by the interactive dynamic between AI-driven misinformation, cognitive biases and groupthink, the collision between truth and democratic discourse is rapidly becoming louder. Yet it would be an oversimplification to conclude we, the general public, are merely helpless victims. It may still be possible to reclaim and reshape the digital commons to serve our collective intelligence, rather than exploit our collective memories. In this Part 2 we shift our attention toward an array of potential remedies; whether by reforming existing platforms or creating entirely new ones, fighting cognitive warfare in social and mainstream media requires a systemic shift on multiple fronts.

Continue reading Fractured Perception: AI, Groupthink,
and the Fragility of Thought (part 2) →

By Marta A. Torrent

The frantic hum of modern life is orchestrated by  an ever-present conductor: the information we consume daily. Some of it looks mundane—headlines, emails—but much is far more insidious, slipping into our consciousness through suggestion, repetition, and emotional appeal. The human brain, despite its capacity for reason, remains highly susceptible to manipulation. In an era where artificial intelligence amplifies these tactics, cognitive warfare—the battle for perception and belief—has become as significant as any physical conflict. If, as Dr. James Giordano said, “the brain is the battlefield of the twenty-first century,” do we want to sit idly by as the very technologies designed to inform and connect us are weaponized against our ability to think critically, erode our democracies, and weaken the institutions we rely on?

For centuries, strategists have understood that shaping perception can be more powerful than brute force. From the deception of the Trojan Horse to modern propaganda, those who design, curate, frame, and shape how we perceive reality inevitably influence the beliefs we adopt and the decisions we make. In today’s interconnected world, these techniques are no longer restricted to warfare nor to geographically bound communities; they saturate social media feeds, news cycles, and digital conversations crossing entire continents in the literal blink of an eye. A false narrative, once seeded, can sweep across the globe in minutes, reinforced by sheer repetition rather than veracity. And so it goes that when outrage becomes the currency that sustains viral momentum, sensational narratives, founded or not, outpace and overshadow measured debate and fact-checking efforts.

Continue reading Fractured Perception: AI, Groupthink,
and the Fragility of Thought (part 1 of 2) →

The pivotal role the Icelandic Institute for Intelligent Machines (IIIM) played in Iceland’s AI readiness and IIIM’s contribution to Iceland’s post-crisis recovery, was recently detailed in a thorough report produced by the Canadian research outfit Small Globe.

Following the 2008 world-wide financial meltdown, Iceland needed innovative solutions to rebuild its economy. The establishment of IIIM in 2009 turned out to play an important part in that process. Leveraging artificial intelligence and robotics in economic revitalization is a strategy for long-term growth. 

Since its inception, IIIM has developed into a self-sustaining, world-renowned research facility that bridges the gap between academic research and industry-driven development. Many of its projects are open-source, allowing for wide-reaching impact across organizations and countries, which aligns with its mission to provide AI solutions for the betterment of society.

IIIM has also taken a leadership role in ethical AI development and advising European governments about AI strategy. Its Civilian AI Ethics Policy, introduced in 2015, underscores its commitment to ensuring that AI research and development are conducted responsibly, balancing both technical and ethical considerations.

The institute has demonstrated its value by providing AI-driven solutions tailored to Icelandic industries. One such achievement was the development of an AI tool aimed at tackling youth substance use, a pressing issue in Iceland. This highlights not only IIIM’s technical capabilities but also its commitment to applying technology to societal problems. The institute’s ability to work across sectors—from private enterprises to public institutions—has helped redefine the role of AI in the Icelandic economy, showing it as a tool for both innovation and societal progress.

IIIM’s influence now extends beyond Iceland, with nearly half of its research collaborations involving international partners. Through partnerships with universities such as Reykjavik University and the University of Camerino, IIIM has created numerous opportunities for young researchers. These collaborations have boosted Iceland’s global presence in AI research, attracting international talent and fostering the next generation of AI and robotics experts,  ensuring that Iceland remains connected to the broader European R&D community, securing its place in AI research for years to come.

Resources:

Thorsteinsdóttir, H. (2024). Impact Analysis: Strategic Initiative on Centres of Excellence and Clusters. Small Globe Inc., Rannís. https://www.rannis.is/media/rannsoknasjodur/Small-Globe-Impact-Analysis-Centres-of-Excellence-Initiative.pdf