TOOL TO AID OR HURT?

To shape the future responsibly, journalists must learn how AI works, understand both its risks and rewards, and continuously update the frameworks—legal, ethical, and professional

- Sabina Inderjit

Imagine having a super-smart assistant that can gather information, write drafts, generate videos, clone voices, et al. Incredible possibilities that artificial intelligence (AI) offers in the media. Yes, it's transforming journalism by handling routine tasks, analysing vast data sets, and enhancing content delivery. And like any powerful tool, AI comes with its own set of ethical and legal dilemmas.

The power and peril of AI has sparked a heated discussion in the media, often referred to as the Fourth Estate-wielding influence, shaping public opinion and a watchdog of democracy. Will it help safeguard or play mischief? At the same time, Al's rapid development has sparked fears among journalists whether they would become obsolete!

AI won't replace journalists—it will replace journalists who don't use AI. Good journalism relies on human traits that AI lacks: empathy, curiosity, and the ability to ask hard questions in real time. AI won't meet informants, uncover hidden documents, or attend a press conference and challenge a prime minister. When disaster strikes, it's human journalists who head to the scene to speak with witnesses and capture the raw, emotional truth.

While AI offers substantial benefits, it also poses serious threats to privacy, identity, and intellectual property. There's a need to strike a balance between embracing innovation and safeguarding citizens' rights. AI use should never infringe on reputation, privacy, or image rights. It's not just about creating regulations—education, awareness, and continuous research are vital to establishing ethical boundaries.