Ethical implications of generative AI in journalism: Balancing innovation, truth, and public communication trust
1 Rave 91.7 FM, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.
2 Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute, New York University, USA.
Review Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2022, 16(03), 1293-1311
Publication history:
Received on 16 October 2022; revised on 22 December 2022; accepted on 26 December 2022
Abstract:
The integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) into journalism marks a transformative era in content creation, newsroom automation, and audience engagement. Tools such as large language models and generative image and video systems now enable rapid production of headlines, articles, infographics, and multimedia packages, dramatically improving editorial efficiency. However, this innovation introduces profound ethical questions that challenge long-standing journalistic values of truth, transparency, accountability, and public trust. This paper explores the ethical implications of generative AI in journalism from both philosophical and operational perspectives, aiming to define a responsible framework for its adoption. At a broad level, the study examines how AI-generated content risks eroding trust when its authorship is ambiguous or when factual inconsistencies go unrecognized. It also addresses the societal impact of automating editorial decisions, which may reflect algorithmic bias, reduce diversity of perspectives, or marginalize human editorial judgment. Narrowing its focus, the paper reviews emerging industry practices in disclosure, AI audit trails, and newsroom policy formation to govern AI usage responsibly. Drawing from real-world case studies involving synthetic anchors, AI-generated news summaries, and deepfake reports, the paper highlights both the potential and perils of AI augmentation in journalism. It also evaluates regulatory proposals and ethical guidelines issued by professional journalism bodies and media councils. Ultimately, the paper advocates for a hybrid model of human-AI collaboration where journalistic oversight, algorithmic transparency, and ethical foresight coalesce to maintain credibility. This model ensures that while innovation is embraced, truth and public communication trust remain the cornerstone of responsible journalism in the digital age.
Keywords:
Generative AI; Journalism Ethics; Public Trust; Media Integrity; AI Disclosure; Editorial Accountability
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Copyright © 2022 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0