AI integration in journalism faces scrutiny over credibility and trust

Journalism professionals and researchers are highlighting growing concerns regarding the impact of artificial intelligence on news credibility and public trust.

At the All Nigeria Editors Conference in Enugu, Professor Farooq Kperogi urged Nigerian editors to prioritize rigorous verification over AI-generated content. Kperogi warned that AI-driven disinformation presents an unprecedented challenge, noting its ability to mimic established media sources to spread false political narratives. He emphasized that while AI can increase the speed and sophistication of information disorder, authentic journalism remains essential for long-term credibility.

In the United States, a survey by Northwestern University’s Medill Local News Initiative found significant public skepticism toward AI in newsrooms. The study revealed that most consumers distrust the use of AI for rewriting, summarizing, or prioritizing news stories. Only 50% of respondents felt comfortable with AI being used for basic tasks like checking grammar and spelling, while only 15% approved of AI deciding which stories to cover.