Artificial Intelligence Paradoxes
AI’s strength lies in its ability to process vast amounts of data, generate content rapidly, and perform tasks with precision. However, these same strengths expose its limitations: the absence of emotional intelligence, ethical discernment, and a sense of values, emotions and feelings that humans add to communication and creativity.
While AI can simulate empathy or morality through programmed parameters, these are not intrinsic qualities. Thus, the paradox is that while AI can enhance productivity and innovation, its lack of inherent human qualities makes it incapable of replacing the deeply emotional and ethical dimensions of human interactions.
By corollary, highlighting the susceptibility of AI to human errors and biases, the study underscores the influence of private sector ownership on the efficacy of generative AI tools. The report, Control Beyond Code: Ownership and Financial Insights of AI Used in Journalism, explores the financial performance and ownership structures of 100 AI companies whose tools are utilised by media organisations.
The findings stress the need for transparency in the media’s use of AI to safeguard consumer interests, democratic principles, and factual reporting. This case study highlights the critical importance of transparency and journalist awareness in using AI for content creation. The report represents the first phase of a broader effort to promote transparency and informed decision-making in the integration of AI tools within journalism.
(Citations are based on the source document and should be attributed to “Control Beyond Code: Ownership and Financial Insights of AI Used in Journalism.”)
Digitalisation Paradoxes and Trust in Journalism
The advent of the internet has created a series of digital paradoxes which expose a journalist to making dichotomic judgements. What deserves more airing or publicity; positive or negative news? What will you, as a journalist, prioritise? The contradiction between the benefits and challenges of digital technology as a digital paradox is an enigmatic issue which is where the professional discretion and epistemic knowledge comes to his rescue. While digital advancements offer increased efficiency, connectivity, and innovation, they also introduce problems such as privacy concerns, digital addiction, and reduced human interaction. Trust in journalism has become a major issue due to digital paradoxes. While digital technology provides greater access to information, it has also contributed to declining trust in news.
Restoring Trust in Digital Journalism
To combat these challenges, journalists and media organisations can:
- Prioritise fact-checking: Clearly show sources, correct errors promptly, and debunk misinformation.
- Be transparent: Explain how stories are researched and reported to build audience trust.
- Balance speed with accuracy: Resist the pressure to break news first at the cost of reliability.
- Encourage media literacy: Educate audiences on how to critically evaluate news sources using critical media literacy skills.
- Diversify revenue models: Reduce reliance on sensationalism for clicks by exploring sustainable funding.