Twenty-first International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities

Abstract

In contemporary journalism, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a more and more utilized force. Previous studies show that this highlights existing inequalities within media landscapes and within media organisations, where innovation processes are challenged by a lack of resources, risk of failure but also a “yes, but” syndrome (YBS) among (future) journalists. In this study, through a mixed-method approach that combines both semi-structured interviews with journalists from 28 national and regional Dutch news media and surveys among regional journalists, journalism educators and journalism students, I describe the hurdles and obstacles to the inclusion and acceptance of AI methods. The results highlight a discrepancy between attitudes and actions among (future) journalists in relation to AI use on four levels: a lack of AI literacy, a high degree of pointing to external factors for not employing AI tools or methods, a self-sense of ineptitude towards structurally employing AI in a professional journalistic setting, and the unavailability to acquire sufficient AI knowledge themselves or offered by their media organisations. On all levels, an overall lack of awareness about the impact of AI is evident among inexperienced journalists as well as AI frontrunners. My research contributes not only to the ongoing discourse on AI integration, human-machine perceptions and participation among AI divides within Dutch journalism, but also sheds new light on the challenges and opportunities inherent in shaping a responsible AI-driven journalistic practice.