The University of Mississippi has been granted approval by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning to establish the National Center for Narrative Intelligence, the first of its kind in the United States. The center will focus on the analysis of large amounts of data using narrative intelligence—a process involving human and artificial intelligence—to derive meaning, trends, and outcomes. This form of intelligence is particularly useful in identifying misinformation and disinformation patterns and flow.

The creation of the center comes at a critical time when the proliferation and accessibility of information make it difficult to ascertain its source and veracity. With the rise of social media, anyone can create and disseminate information, making it increasingly important to determine the accuracy of the information we encounter. The National Center for Narrative Intelligence seeks to develop tools and strategies that enable the identification of factual information amidst the deluge of content.

The center’s tech partner is EdgeTheory, a Mississippi-based narrative intelligence firm. Joe Stradinger, CEO and founder of EdgeTheory, spearheaded the idea for the center, recognizing Oxford as the ideal location for exploring and advancing the use of narrative intelligence due to its historical association with narratives and storytelling.

The School of Journalism and New Media’s Dean, Andrea Hickerson, and the Department of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies’ Chair, Wes Jennings, will co-direct the center. They aim to enhance the understanding and exploration of narrative intelligence in the digital era.

The importance of narrative intelligence becomes evident as society increasingly relies on social media as a news source and trust in traditional media declines. Misleading and false information is prevalent, with over 70% of Americans considering misinformation on the internet a significant threat to society, according to the Pew Research Center. Foreign governments, including Russia, have taken advantage of this distrust to carry out disinformation campaigns that manipulate users of social media.

Narrative intelligence can help individuals, governments, and agencies better comprehend and evaluate foreign information campaigns. By using artificial intelligence, large volumes of data can be analyzed in seconds to produce meaningful summaries. This rapid analysis allows for real-time evaluation and understanding of narratives, which are dynamic and subject to change.

While primarily a research facility, the National Center for Narrative Intelligence also aims to provide training opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and community members. The goal is to equip individuals with the skills necessary to effectively use narrative intelligence in education, research, and certifications.

The center is a cross-disciplinary initiative that can benefit various fields. The use of narrative intelligence has the potential to transform professions and problem-solving approaches. Journalism and communications, in particular, play a critical role in making sense of information and ensuring its accuracy. The establishment of the center puts the University of Mississippi at the forefront of teaching businesses, governments, and individuals on the best ways to utilize artificial intelligence applications.

In the ever-changing landscape of technology, the understanding and application of narrative intelligence become essential. The National Center for Narrative Intelligence positions the University of Mississippi as a global leader in teaching governments and companies the importance and workings of narratives in shaping culture, impacting economies, and securing nations.

Definitions:
1. Narrative intelligence – A human and artificial intelligence-driven process that analyzes large amounts of data to derive meaning, trends, and outcomes.
2. Misinformation – False or inaccurate information that is spread unintentionally.
3. Disinformation – False or inaccurate information that is spread intentionally with the aim to mislead or manipulate.

Sources:
– Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning
– Pew Research Center
– University of Mississippi Digital Imaging Services

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