AI-Generated Journalism Fails to Meet Audience Expectations: RMIT Report

By Vaidant February 26, 2025
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A new report led by RMIT University, Australia, reveals that AI-generated journalism is falling short of audience expectations, raising concerns among both journalists and the public.

The Generative AI & Journalism report, launched at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society, summarises three years of research on the impact of AI in news reporting. The findings indicate that both news professionals and audiences worry about AI’s potential to spread misleading or deceptive content.

Report lead author, Dr T.J. Thomson from RMIT University, stated, “The concern of AI being used to spread misleading or deceptive content topped the list of challenges for both journalists and news audiences.” He added that many journalists struggle to distinguish between AI-generated and real content, increasing the risk of unknowingly amplifying misinformation.

A striking revelation from the study is that many journalists are unaware of AI’s presence in their own industry. Dr Thomson noted, “AI is sometimes being used without journalists or news outlets even knowing.” The report also highlights that AI is frequently employed to insert keywords into articles and describe images in word-processing software, often without clear disclosure.

This report underscores a growing challenge in Australia and globally, as media organisations navigate the role of AI in journalism. Experts argue that while AI tools can enhance efficiency, greater transparency and ethical guidelines are needed to maintain audience trust.

Meanwhile, in a separate study, RMIT, Curtin University, UNSW, and the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute have released reports urging Australia to reform housing policies to better protect citizens from natural disasters. The research highlights that private renters are among the most vulnerable due to lower-quality housing and lack of insurance.

As AI continues to reshape industries, these findings reinforce the need for regulatory oversight and media literacy to ensure responsible use of emerging technologies.

Source: SHIKSHA

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