A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Manchester and the University of Groningen reveals a more nuanced portrayal of artificial intelligence (AI) in global news coverage than previously recognized. The research, published in the journal Digital Journalism, examines how leading newspapers, including the New York Times in the United States, De Volkskrant in the Netherlands, and Folha de S.Paulo in Brazil, reported on AI from June 2020 to September 2023.
The findings challenge the notion that journalists have predominantly hyped AI technologies. Instead, the researchers found that while there is undeniable fascination with systems like ChatGPT, the coverage often reflects deeper uncertainties and tensions surrounding AI’s future. The study illustrates a recurring discourse of “open-ended technological inevitability,” suggesting that while the impact of AI is perceived as unavoidable, the specifics of its trajectory remain unclear.
The analysis highlights the intricate power dynamics between governments, corporations, experts, and the public, indicating that AI is not merely a technological issue, but also a significant political and social one. This complex media landscape may shape public understanding of AI and influence regulatory approaches.
Reframing the AI Narrative
The researchers propose the concept of “mediated technological drama” to explain how media narratives shape perceptions of emerging technologies. By employing theatrical metaphors, they argue that journalists do not simply report on AI; instead, they become active participants in the narratives they create. A prevalent theme across the three newspapers compared AI to existential threats, such as nuclear weapons or climate change, illustrating how fears surrounding AI are dramatized in public discourse.
Dr. João C. Magalhães, a Senior Lecturer in AI Trust and Security, emphasized the implications of these findings for journalism and society. He stated, “While our research pushes back against the common claim that journalism has systematically hyped artificial intelligence, it doesn’t exactly let journalists off the hook. By presenting AI as something inevitable, journalists have ended up serving the interests of Big Tech.” He further remarked that this perspective does not absolve media outlets from their responsibility to amplify voices advocating for a more cautious approach to the deployment of AI technologies.
Implications for Policymakers and Media
As discussions around AI regulation and ethics intensify globally, the role of journalism in shaping public perceptions has never been more critical. The study’s insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers and media professionals navigating the evolving landscape of AI discourse. By recognizing the complexities underlying AI coverage, stakeholders can better approach the regulation and understanding of these technologies.
The research sheds light on how media narratives can either promote understanding or contribute to fear and misunderstanding regarding AI. This highlights the need for a more balanced and comprehensive approach to reporting on emerging technologies, ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented and that the potential risks associated with AI are adequately addressed.
In conclusion, the study by researchers from the University of Manchester and the University of Groningen offers a significant contribution to the discourse on AI in journalism. As societies grapple with the implications of AI technologies, the media’s role as a critical actor in shaping public understanding and influencing policy cannot be understated.
