A recent study by researchers from the University of Manchester and the University of Groningen reveals a significant shift in how artificial intelligence (AI) is reported in major newspapers worldwide. The analysis, published in the journal Digital Journalism, examined coverage from the New York Times in the United States, De Volkskrant in the Netherlands, and Folha de S.Paulo in Brazil between June 2020 and September 2023. The findings indicate a more nuanced and critical approach to AI, challenging the notion that media sensationalizes these technologies.
While fascination with AI systems like ChatGPT is evident, the study highlights deeper tensions and uncertainties surrounding the technology’s future. Instead of merely amplifying excitement, the research points to a recurring discourse of “open-ended technological inevitability,” suggesting that the impact of AI is seen as unavoidable, though its trajectory remains unclear.
The examination of media narratives from these three outlets illustrates that AI is not solely a technological issue; it is intertwined with political and social dynamics. Power struggles among governments, corporations, experts, and citizens shape the public’s understanding of AI, emphasizing the complexity of its coverage. The researchers caution against oversimplifying journalistic reporting as mere hype, proposing that this intricate media landscape may influence how AI is regulated and perceived by the public.
New Framework for Understanding AI Coverage
The study introduces the concept of “mediated technological drama,” which frames media coverage as an active participant in shaping public perceptions of emerging technologies. This approach uses theatrical metaphors to illustrate how journalists engage as actors in the narratives they convey about AI. Notably, comparisons of AI to nuclear weapons or climate change serve to highlight the existential fears associated with these technologies.
Dr. João C. Magalhães, a Senior Lecturer in AI Trust and Security, remarked on the implications of the research. “While our findings push back against the common claim that journalism has systematically hyped artificial intelligence, it does not entirely absolve journalists of responsibility. By framing AI as an inevitable force, journalists may inadvertently support the interests of major technology companies.”
He further noted that, although these companies have significant influence over how AI is integrated into society, journalists could have provided more coverage to those advocating for caution and resistance regarding AI’s development and deployment.
As the global dialogue around AI regulation and ethics intensifies, the role of journalism in shaping public understanding is increasingly critical. The insights from this study offer valuable perspectives for policymakers and media professionals navigating the evolving landscape of AI discourse.
In summary, this research underscores the importance of a balanced approach to AI reporting, one that acknowledges both the potential and the risks associated with these technologies. As coverage continues to evolve, the media’s responsibility to inform the public with clarity and depth remains paramount.