German media group Axel Springer’s CEO Mathias Doepfner said that artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT has the potential to replace journalists. He said, with advancements in technology and upgradation in the artificial intelligence space, the jobs of journalists are in danger.
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AI bots such as ChatGPT are utterly advanced and to survive in the market, the media houses need to get adapted to the system. Taking cognisance of it, the company has decided to have layoffs. The firm quoted that AI tools and automation, in the upcoming days, will make the jobs of journalists redundant and only those, who will be able to produce an authentic piece of information, will survive in the times to come. Adding on to the statement, Doepfner said that the layoffs will not decrease the number of reporters, authors, and specialist editors.
It is to be noted that Alex Springer is not the pioneer, among news publishers, in using AI for the curation of content. Earlier in January 2023, BuzzFeed also announced that it will employ an artificial intelligence system to elevate its content as well as online quizzes.
According to a few reliable media sources, it has been found that the U.K.’s Daily Express and Daily Mirror newspapers are also exploring the usage of AI tools for the upliftment of their platform.
AI systems like ChatGPT
Chat ‘Generative Pre-trained Transformer’ or ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by OpenAI and launched in November 2022. The chatbot instantaneously became popular for its in-depth information and quick service to the users.
ChatGPT is said to be different from other chatbots as it is dynamic. It is not only a human conversationalist but also a curator of computer programs, poems, speeches, essays, etc. Besides, it also plays games and simulates an ATM. Looking at the versatility it brings to the table, we can anticipate, this roster certainly would be comprised of many other activities as well.
The tool is also well appreciated by the users as in comparison to its predecessor, InstructGPT. Unlike InstructGPT, ChatGPT eliminates deceitful responses and grants the users with reliable answers.
AI tools, a threat to journalists
The jobs of journalists are in danger as the AI bots like ChatGPT are designed to imitate human beings. With a plethora of information accessible, it exhibits a fantabulous way of doing the chores of a journalist. From being updated about the latest developments happening around the world, to researching about it in a given time to finally, structuring and writing it to be published by the news agencies in time, ChatGPT is now seen as the ‘journalist of the new era’.
The benefit of having an AI system is that it does not commit grammatical mistakes or spelling errors, hence, erasing the chances of publishing a piece of information containing fallacies. The facts, data, and vocabulary are on point, making the reporting gripping for the audience.
It won’t be a mistake if we claim, it can keep the consumers engrossed with the content. It is famously said, “News has life” and therefore, the efficiency and productivity that are demanded by the media houses can be dispensed to them by ChatGPT.
In these ways, the jobs of journalists are in jeopardy. Nonetheless, it is not only eating the jobs of journalists but is also undermining the scope of other professions requiring skills and expertise.
Harmony is desired
With the craze of AI only increasing with each passing day, it has become important for us to think of ways in which AI could be used without endangering the potential of human beings. The World Economic Forum says, “We must learn to work alongside AI and use it as a tool to enhance our skills”.
