A recent survey revealed that the majority of news readers in the UK and US are uncomfortable with AI-generated journalism. The Reuters Institute’s Digital News Report found that only 23% of US respondents and 10% of those in the UK said they were comfortable with AI-produced news.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
These findings indicate the lack of trust in AI-generated news and the skepticism towards its use in reporting on sensitive topics like politics or war. While there is some willingness to accept AI in behind-the-scenes roles, most respondents are vehemently against AI generating entirely new content.
The Digital News Report is based on surveys conducted with almost 100,000 people across 47 countries and highlights the challenges newsrooms face in an era dominated by digital technologies. Many publications are using AI to automate repetitive tasks, generate images, or write code, with some even experimenting with AI news anchors.
The recent rise of AI in newsrooms has been met with controversy, as some publications have admitted to generating thousands of articles using AI every week. This shift towards AI adoption comes at a time when news media is experiencing declining revenues and major job cuts.
TF Summary: What’s Next
The findings from the Digital News Report serve as a wake-up call for the news industry, highlighting the widespread discomfort and lack of trust in AI-generated news among readers. It’s clear that there is a consensus that human involvement is crucial and complete automation through AI should be off-limits. As the use of AI in newsrooms continues to be a topic of debate, it’s crucial to prioritize the delivery of reliable and trustworthy journalism to meet the needs of readers.