In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has appeared everywhere, penetrating every area of life. In journalism, AI is strongly applied, from data collection, trend analysis, to writing and editing news. Many news agencies have used AI to produce a series of short reports, immediately updating sports, financial, weather developments, and even analyzing in-depth data. With outstanding speed and efficiency, AI gives the feeling that this is the ideal tool for digital age journalism.
But beneath that brilliant surface, a billion-dollar question arises: If we rely too much on AI, what will journalism become? Do the news articles written by algorithms have the weight, sophistication and depth that readers expect? When AI can write faster, more, more accurately in some tasks and roles of journalists - which is built through skills, intuition and experience - will it still maintain its value?
The invasion of AI technology
AI has entered journalism with irresistible appeal. Major news agencies quickly realized the huge potential from applying tools that can process data in the blink of an eye, writing dozens of newsletters in just a few seconds, automating a series of tasks that take a lot of time and human resources. Many newsroom leaders see this as an inevitable path to reduce costs and speed up news production.
This attraction is even stronger when AI can operate tirelessly, producing products with stable quality, regardless of human emotions or health status. Instant financial reports, minute-by-minute sports reports, detailed weather forecasts for each region... can all be created by AI in a smooth way. In areas that require big data processing, AI is superior to traditional methods.
However, behind that convenience is the risk that the press will gradually lose the "soul" that makes it vibrant. When reporters rely too much on AI, they tend to ignore the process of searching, analyzing and arranging information themselves. Creativity is replaced by machine-generated molds. Some young writers have even become accustomed to let AI "written" simple reports, gradually losing the habit of practicing their speaking skills and observing life.
AI cannot replace the ability to ask critical questions - a core quality of journalism. Machines only do well what they are programmed for, but cannot recognize when a seemingly normal story contains a big problem. Many journalism experts warn that if AI takes too deep a lead in the process, journalism will gradually slide towards mass information production, lacking in nuance and depth, reducing the gap between newspapers.
To let the tool do its job properly
It is undeniable that AI brings great efficiency to newsrooms, but behind the impressive numbers of speed and output, there is still a big gap: The depth of the story and the diversity of voices.
AI-generated news is often based on available data and trained language models. They can provide accurate information at the surface level, but it is difficult to fully depict the social context, character psychology or cultural elements - the details that make the article relevant. If we only follow quantity, the press will lose the ability to create works that touch the hearts of readers.
Journalists, therefore, need to maintain their central role in leading the story. AI should be considered a support tool, not a replacement. Reporters can use AI to synthesize data faster, search for potential sources, or suggest structures for a report. But the final step - turning data into a story with a human mark - still has to be taken by the journalist.
The solution to limit AI dependence is not to completely eliminate technology, but to maintain the balance between machines and humans. editors need to train reporters on how to use AI strategically, know when to rely on tools and when to exploit information themselves. At the same time, it is necessary to encourage reporters to maintain the habit of investigating independently, interacting directly with characters, and analyzing information based on practical experience.
AI can write quickly, but only humans can put a multidimensional view, a unique narration, and a critical attitude into the article. These are factors that cannot be copied from any algorithm. If AI replaces everything, the press will become cold, distant and lose the public's trust - something that has taken decades to build.
The explosion of AI in journalism is an irreversible reality. It brings clear benefits in terms of speed, volume and news production efficiency. But technology, no matter how smart, is just a tool. The core value of journalism still lies in its ability to honestly reflect life, ask questions in the right place, and convey stories with humanistic depth.
If journalists let themselves be caught up in the spiral of speed and quantity, they will gradually lose their professional identity. On the contrary, if they know how to use AI as a powerful assistant, while maintaining the role of creativity, criticism and connection with people, the press will both take advantage of the power of technology and preserve its soul.
