AI tests reveal media execs still have not learned anything

Over the past several months, various groups of people have enthusiastically embraced generative AI software like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Doctors, online marketers, students, tennis announcers, and many others have started incorporating AI tools into their everyday lives and work. Some are even leveraging chatbots to accelerate their spamming efforts, while artists are utilizing AI art tools to outperform human competitors. However, not all attempts at integration have been successful. For instance, one lazy lawyer failed to reduce their research workload. Despite the challenges, the desire to increase productivity and save time continues to drive this experimentation.

News organizations have also joined the bandwagon, envisioning the transformative potential of AI-assisted scale and speed. In the past, AI tools were primarily used for tasks like generating corporate earnings reports and short sports stories—predictable reports that meet the bare minimum requirements. But now, with the availability of powerful large language models, news publishers are demanding more from these tools, often without implementing adequate oversight or work processes. Consequently, they have made various pivots that undermine their core mission of providing accurate and expert information.

News executives have attempted to justify their use of generative AI tools by citing their duty to explore AI-generated writing. They argue that, as technology-focused outlets, it is their responsibility to employ AI systems within their publishing processes. However, their statements primarily focus on making journalists’ work faster and easier. This approach overlooks the fact that the real purpose of employing these tools should be to enhance the quality of journalism. Unfortunately, the implementation of AI tools has largely been limited to producing lower-quality versions of existing content.

The lack of control exerted by editorial staff is evident in many instances. For example, some employees were completely unaware that AI-generated stories were being published under their publication’s name. This disconnect between editorial staff and the deployment of AI technology undermines the promise that these tools will enhance journalism. Instead, they have primarily been used to maximize profitability by producing content quickly and cheaply, regardless of its accuracy or quality. Media outlets could have conducted internal tests with journalists to truly understand the power of AI, but they chose instead to focus on the potential for profit.

Journalists have attempted to regain control over the use of AI tools by forming unions and demanding an end to AI-generated stories. However, the damage has already been done. The haphazard implementation of these tools, coupled with the lack of oversight and the increasing distrust from audiences, has tarnished the reputation of generative AI in the media industry. Instead of showcasing the impressive capabilities of AI, media executives have opted for cheaper and more mundane options, contributing to the industry’s stagnation.

Although generative AI tools have the potential to revolutionize journalism and assist artists, the current approach taken by media executives falls short. They fail to harness the full potential of this groundbreaking technology and settle for mediocrity driven by capitalist motives. This perpetuates the industry’s state of confusion and lack of innovation, resembling what science fiction author Ted Chiang referred to as “sharpening the knife blade of capitalism.” In essence, the industry remains stuck in old patterns instead of embracing the true transformative power of AI.

 

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Denial of responsibility! Samachar Central is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.