Global audiences suspicious of AI-powered newsrooms | Kyabram ...
Concerns regarding the use of artificial intelligence in news production and the spread of misinformation are on the rise worldwide. Australians, in particular, are among the most skeptical when it comes to the role of AI, especially in political news coverage.
Insights from the Digital News Report
The annual Digital News Report conducted by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism sheds light on the challenges faced by news outlets in generating revenue and maintaining their businesses. The report, based on surveys of 2000 individuals across 47 countries, highlights the growing influence of generative artificial intelligence in the news industry.
While tech giants like Google and OpenAI are developing tools that can provide news summaries and drive traffic, consumers remain wary of AI-generated content, especially in sensitive areas such as politics. In Australia, where the study was conducted by the University of Canberra's News and Media Research Centre, 59% of respondents expressed discomfort with AI-generated news, compared to the global average of 45%. Similar concerns were echoed in the US (52%) and the UK (63%).
Understanding Consumer Sentiments
Nic Newman, senior research associate at the Reuters Institute, expressed surprise at the high level of suspicion surrounding AI-generated news content. Consumers fear the potential impact on content reliability and trust. However, the University of Canberra's findings suggest that people are more accepting of journalism that is primarily human-driven but supported by AI, as opposed to content entirely created by AI with human oversight.
Professor Sora Park, lead author of the Australian study, emphasizes the importance of transparency in news production processes, including the role of AI. While audiences may be uncomfortable with AI involvement in political news, they are more receptive to its use in sports and lifestyle reporting.
The Rise of Traditional News Consumption
Despite the dominance of social media as a news source, a significant portion of Australians continue to rely on traditional news outlets. The report reveals that 21% of Australians pay for news, a rate higher than the global average. Quality journalism and transparency emerge as key trust factors influencing people's willingness to support news organizations financially.
However, the prevalence of misinformation online remains a pressing concern globally. In Australia, 75% of respondents expressed worry about false news content, particularly related to topics like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, national politics, and climate change.
Impact of News Influencers
News delivery is evolving, with news influencers on platforms like TikTok playing a significant role in shaping public discourse. A survey of TikTok users revealed that 57% pay more attention to individual personalities than mainstream media. This shift underscores the changing landscape of news consumption and the diverse sources through which information is disseminated.
