Google is developing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist journalists in writing articles. The company, known internally as Genesis, has pitched the product to executives at news outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and News Corp. The tool aims to take information from current events and generate news content. However, journalists are skeptical about the impact these tools will have on the industry.
Google has emphasized that Genesis is not intended to replace journalists, but rather serve as a responsible assistant. The company’s co-founder, Sergey Brin, has been closely involved in the development of Gemini, Google’s Large Language Model (LLM), which underpins the AI tool.
During the pitch, the presentation of Genesis was described as disturbing by an anonymous source. Some executives felt that the tool overlooked the effort invested in creating accurate and artistic news stories. Journalists remain cautious about how Genesis will shape the industry.
There are pros and cons to using AI in journalism. Journalism professor Jeff Jarvis believes that if the technology can reliably deliver factual information, journalists should use it. However, he warns against its potential misuse, particularly on topics that require nuance or cultural understanding. In such cases, the tool could undermine not only its own credibility but also that of the news outlets using it.
Recent examples of AI-embedded media highlight the potential weaknesses of relying solely on machines. Critics argue that AI tools can generate factually incorrect information beyond what a human journalist could produce. Moreover, Google’s track record in the media industry raises concerns about the company’s intentions.
Jason Kint, the CEO of Digital Content Next, advises news publishers to approach Google’s tool with caution. While it may be interesting to explore, he reminds publishers of Google’s history of maximizing its own interests and profits at the expense of copyrighted material and user data.
Hany Farid, a computer science professor, believes that integrating AI models like LLMs into journalism is premature. He has seen instances where such models generate inaccurate information. Others, like Bin Chau Wu, chairman of the News Media Guild, express concerns about protecting jobs and journalistic standards, noting that technology should assist, not replace, reporters and editors.
In conclusion, Google’s introduction of AI tools into journalism raises important questions. While the company emphasizes the responsible use of Genesis as a supportive tool, journalists are wary of potential negative impacts. The accuracy, nuance, and cultural understanding required in news reporting may not be fully captured by AI. As technology progresses, striking the right balance between AI and human journalism remains a crucial challenge for the industry.
