Automated-content generation using news-writing bots and algorithms: Perceptions and attitudes amongst Spain´s journalists
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3145/epi.2018.jul.04Keywords:
Artificial intelligence, Automation, Bots, Newsmaking, Journalistic profession, Journalists, Online journalism.Abstract
Algorithms, bots and automation for news articles generation. The combination of these concepts, elements and processes is affecting journalism as a profession, which is going through a particularly tumultuous period as artificial intelligence (AI) begins to occupy a field traditionally dominated by the human factor. This research provides a world map featuring media, agencies and companies that use automation to generate information. Moreover, we looked into the perception of this phenomenon in Spain through a survey with chartered professional associations, associations of journalists and unions where 366 journalists provided a picture of the current situation within the country. Our findings prove that there is a deep lack of understanding amongst Spanish journalists about how AI can have a direct impact on journalism as a profession. Automated journalism will not stop gaining ground, as evidenced by 50 projects featured on our media world map.
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