A report from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism reveals mounting global concerns about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in news production and its potential for spreading misinformation. The institute’s annual Digital News Report, based on surveys of nearly 100,000 people across 47 countries, highlights significant challenges facing newsrooms already grappling with audience engagement and revenue sustainability.
One major issue identified is the adoption of generative AI by tech giants and startups, such as Google and OpenAI, to create news summaries and drive traffic away from traditional news websites. However, the report underscores widespread consumer skepticism about AI-generated news content, especially on sensitive topics like politics.
Key findings include:
- Consumer Suspicion: A majority of respondents in the U.S. (52%) and the UK (63%) expressed discomfort with news primarily produced by AI. While there is some acceptance of AI for behind-the-scenes tasks, concerns focus on content reliability and trustworthiness.
- Concerns About Misinformation: Worries about false news content online have increased, with 59% of respondents globally expressing concerns. This figure rises significantly in countries like South Africa (81%) and the U.S. (72%), particularly ahead of national elections.
- Subscription Challenges: Despite modest growth during the pandemic, only 17% of respondents across 20 countries reported paying for online news, a figure unchanged for three years. Many U.S. subscribers are paying discounted rates, highlighting a reluctance to pay full price.
- Rise of News Influencers: Platforms like TikTok are increasingly influential in news consumption, with 57% of surveyed users favoring individual personalities over traditional news brands. This trend underscores the need for newsrooms to engage directly with audiences and strategically use social media platforms.
The report underscores the evolving landscape of digital news consumption and the critical need for news organizations to navigate challenges posed by AI, misinformation, and shifting audience preferences.
Source: Reuters
