AI, Health & Journalism: What’s Next?
iMEdD - Incubator for Media Education and Development
A non-profit organization with the mission to support the transparency and credibility in journalism.
By Eleni Kasimou
Inspired by a recent panel on the media’s role in mental health and a new podcast on bipolar disorder (transcript available in english!), takes a closer look at health from multiple angles —not just as a story, but as a tool and a data-driven field— . From AI-powered diagnostics to the fight for public health data transparency, we’re exploring the intersection of tech, health, and media.
Each month, we introduce tools and stories for journalists wearing many “hats”—investigators, content creators, editors, and more. By sharing new tools and uncovering insights behind the headlines, we aim to support your work in meaningful ways.
As always, we’d love to hear from you! Hit reply or drop us a DM—we’re all ears.
Up Your Sleeve
Protecting public health data
Crucial health information is disappearing from federal websites—data on racial disparities, LGBTQIA+ health, reproductive rights, and climate justice. The Association of Health Care Journalists is working on The Health Data Preservation Project to recover and protect these records so journalists can keep reporting the stories that matter. Without access to these records, journalists face barriers in reporting vital health stories. Explore
Crowd estimation made easier
Ever wondered how big that protest or rally really was? iMEdD’s new crowd-counting tool lets you map out an area, adjust density, and get an estimate. It’s a solid starting point for journalists and anyone curious about event turnout..Try it
Breaking free from your filter bubble
Social media platforms shape what you see, often reinforcing your existing views. Tactical Tech 's Data Detox project helps you understand how algorithms work—and how to take back control of your feed. If you want to see the world beyond what TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube serve up, check it out
Trauma-aware journalism: Why it matters
The Global Center for Journalism and Trauma provides essential training for newsrooms worldwide, equipping journalists with tools to report on trauma, build resilience, and manage stress. Covering topics like self-care, leadership strategies, and handling graphic content, these sessions help protect both reporters and the integrity of their work. Learn more
Behind the Headlines
The future of online communities
Social media is shifting—big platforms are losing trust, and people are moving toward smaller, more personal online spaces. A new survey from The Verge and Vox Media explores what this means for journalism, content creators, and everyday users. Explore
The mystery of large language models
LLMs (large language models) power so much of today’s AI, but even the experts don’t fully understand their inner workings. Created to accompany an exhibition at the Computer History Museum in California, this nifty explainer from the video essayist Grant Sanderson (aka 3Blue1Brown) breaks it down in a way that actually makes sense.. Watch it here
AI in health care: The risks and biases
Journalist Jyoti Madhusoodanan explores how AI-powered algorithms are reshaping medical training and patient care, raising concerns about bias and accuracy. Research shows that AI tools can misinterpret medical images, reinforce racial disparities, and influence diagnoses in unexpected ways. As hospitals adopt AI for critical care and education, understanding its impact on health outcomes is more important than ever. Read more
Community Spotlight
Closing the AI gender gap
Women are still massively underrepresented in AI—just 22% of professionals globally, and only 8% in MENA. But access to AI education could change that. With limited access to technology and education deepens this gap, but AI literacy could unlock economic growth and leadership opportunities. The National News ’s Wafaa Albadry explores how initiatives like AI-focused universities and free coding programs are opening doors for women in tech. Read more
ISOJ 2025: Next stop Texas
The International Symposium on Online Journalism (ISOJ) is back on March 27-28, 2025, in Texas and online. Expect 60+ speakers from 19 countries, covering everything from AI in newsrooms to fact-checking and the rise of influencers in media. If you want to be part of the future of journalism, grab your spot here.
Let’s Chat!
Got questions or topics you’d love us to explore? Maybe a suggestion for the next edition?
Drop us a DM on LinkedIn—we’d love to hear from you!
Until next time..🙊