OSINT, AI, and the Emotional Cost of Watching Everything with Jenna Dolecek

In this episode of the Intelligence Spotlight series, Jenna Dolecek delves into the evolving landscape of open source intelligence (OSINT) and its growing relevance in human rights investigations. Drawing on over a decade of experience, she reflects on the ethical dilemmas, the influence of artificial intelligence, and widespread misconceptions that continue to shape the field. Jenna joins Qais Alamdar in a wide-ranging conversation that explores the discipline’s demands — from the emotional toll of secondary trauma to the practical realities of verifying content in complex environments. Together, they unpack the balance between speed and accuracy, the pitfalls of bias, and the quiet power of patience in OSINT work. From the misuse of terminology to the critical role of tools like reverse image search, this episode offers both a sharp critique and a grounded look at the investigative process, including the often-ignored crisis of missing Indigenous people in North America and the urgent need for support systems for those on the frontlines of digital investigations. Check our website: intelfocus.orgChapters00:00 Introduction to Open Source Intelligence and Jena Dolecek03:07 The Role of OSINT in Legal Accountability05:58 Ethics in Open Source Investigations08:50 Navigating Trauma in Investigative Work11:48 AI's Impact on OSINT14:56 Misconceptions in Open Source Intelligence17:59 Terminology and Definitions in OSINT25:16 The Importance of Patience and Credibility in Investigations26:10 Balancing Speed and Accuracy in Open Source Investigations30:07 Understanding Bias and Its Impact on Investigative Work32:30 Underrated Tools in OSINT: The Power of Reverse Image Search37:20 Addressing the Epidemic of Missing Indigenous People41:02 The Significance of Secondary Trauma AwarenessNote: We operate with no funding and completely voluntarily. If you can support us in any way or volunteer with us, please reach out at: [email protected]