Global concerns rise over AI in news production and misinformation

A report issued by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism found that international concerns regarding the use of AI in news production and misinformation are rising, posing new challenges to newsrooms already struggling to engage audiences.

Global concerns about the use of AI in news production and misinformation are escalating, according to a recent report by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism.

This trend poses fresh challenges to newsrooms already grappling with audience engagement issues.

Challenges in News Media

The institute’s annual Digital News Report, based on surveys of nearly 100,000 people across 47 countries, highlights the significant hurdles that news media face in boosting revenue and sustaining their business models.

As generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools from tech giants and startups like Google and OpenAI become more prevalent, newsrooms are confronting new challenges.

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These AI tools, capable of summarizing information, have the potential to divert traffic from news websites, complicating the digital landscape for traditional media outlets.

Consumer Skepticism Towards AI in News

The report underscores a significant level of consumer skepticism towards AI-generated news content. According to the survey, 52% of U.S. respondents and 63% of UK respondents expressed discomfort with news primarily produced using AI, especially on sensitive topics such as politics.

The survey, which included 2,000 participants from each country, also noted that respondents were more at ease with AI being used behind the scenes to enhance journalists’ efficiency rather than directly creating news content.

“It was surprising to see the level of suspicion,” said Nic Newman, senior research associate at the Reuters Institute and lead author of the Digital News Report. “People broadly had fears about what might happen to content reliability and trust.”

Rising Concerns About Misinformation

The report also found an increase in concerns about false news content online. This year, 59% of survey respondents expressed worry about misinformation, up three percentage points from last year.

These concerns were particularly pronounced in South Africa and the U.S., where 81% and 72% of respondents, respectively, voiced apprehensions. Both countries are holding elections this year, which may contribute to heightened sensitivity to misinformation.

Struggles with News Subscription Models

Another significant challenge highlighted in the report is the general reluctance of audiences to pay for news subscriptions.

Despite some growth during the pandemic, only 17% of respondents across 20 countries reported paying for online news, a figure that has remained static for the past three years.

In the U.S., a notable proportion of news subscribers were found to be paying discounted rates due to trials or promotions, with 46% paying less than the full price for their subscriptions.

Conclusion

The Reuters Institute’s report paints a picture of an industry in flux, grappling with the dual challenges of integrating new technologies and maintaining audience trust.

As newsrooms navigate these obstacles, the findings underscore the importance of addressing consumer concerns about AI and misinformation while finding sustainable revenue models to support quality journalism.