Journalists today work in a complicated environment that presents a variety of opportunities and challenges, much of which is due to the fast development of artificial intelligence (AI). The article "AI changes everything…and nothing" by Cindy Royal clarifies a number of important concerns and possible directions for development in this changing landscape. The ethical complications of AI are among journalists' top concerns. "Numerous voiced apprehensions regarding moral ramifications and their impact on prospective career prospects," according to Royal. This opinion is representative of a larger concern in the industry about how AI might take the place of some journalistic duties and possibly result in job displacement, but there are also creative and efficient ways to use this technology. Royal says, "We’ll use AI platforms to write emails, contribute to stories, edit copy, analyze and present data, create graphics, prepare college papers, learn to code." Misinformation is still a big problem, though. The irony that we still don't have answers for "misinformation, bias, and abuse" is brought to light by Royal's article. Artificial intelligence aggravates these problems by facilitating the rapid dissemination of false information. This stresses on the value of critical media literacy and the necessity for journalists to create plans for successfully countering disinformation. The future of websites and conventional media platforms is also a matter of concern due to the evolving nature of information distribution. "But will many websites become unnecessary if we no longer need to go to a website to get information?" queries Royal. This change may completely change the media, pressurizing journalists to adjust to brand-new distribution channels and content delivery strategies. According to this New York Times article artificial intelligence will profoundly reshape our world, potentially more than electricity or fire, according to Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google. While AI advancements could lead to unprecedented changes within a few years, we must seize with the ethical, social, and existential implications of these rapidly evolving technologies. And last, the importance of continual learning and flexibility cannot be overstated. As Royal suggests, "Acquire knowledge, but exercise judgment. The way things should have always been." To negotiate the moral and practical implications of artificial intelligence in their work, journalists need to be up to date on technological developments while retaining a critical mindset.
[1 image, 6 quotations, 1 link, 376 words]