Artificial intelligence is transforming many industries, including journalism, but Americans remain wary about its long-term impact. As AI technologies become more involved in news production, people fear it will distort the quality of news. They also worry about diminishing the role of professional journalists.
According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in the summer of 2024, approximately 50% of U.S. adults predict that AI will negatively affect the news landscape in the next two decades. Only 10% believe it will have a positive impact. This divide reflects deep skepticism about the future of journalism in an increasingly automated world.
MIXED VIEWS: WILL AI IMPROVE OR DETERIORATE NEWS?
When asked about AI’s role in shaping the news people get over the next 20 years, the responses were varied. While 34% believe AI will improve news quality, 27% feel it will have a negative impact. An equal number—27%—view the effect as both positive and negative. This highlights a polarized view. Many Americans are unsure whether the benefits of AI will outweigh the risks. This uncertainty is especially relevant in the context of news production.
THE THREAT TO JOBS: FEWER JOURNALISTS, MORE AUTOMATION?
The report underscores a significant concern: the potential for AI to reduce the number of journalism jobs. Over half of U.S. adults (59%) believe that AI will lead to fewer jobs for journalists over the next 20 years. Only 5% expect that AI will create more journalism positions. This perception aligns with the view that AI, while efficient, cannot replace the human elements that contribute to quality journalism. As automation enters newsrooms, many worry about job losses. They also fear a decline in creativity and nuance in reporting.
AI’S PERFORMANCE IN JOURNALISM TODAY: WILL IT REPLACE HUMAN WRITERS?
Despite the growing influence of AI, the public remains skeptical about its current capabilities. Around 41% of Americans feel that AI performs worse than human journalists when writing news stories. Only 19% believe AI does a better job. Another 20% think AI and human journalists are equally capable in producing news content. This divide highlights the lack of trust in AI’s ability to replicate the skills of professional journalists. They specifically doubt AI’s ability to write nuanced and accurate stories.
THE MISINFORMATION DILEMMA: AI’S ACCURACY CONCERNS
A major worry among Americans is AI’s potential to spread misinformation. Approximately 66% of respondents express serious concerns about AI sharing inaccurate information, with an additional 26% somewhat concerned. This anxiety stems from known issues with AI’s “hallucinations,” where the technology sometimes generates false or misleading information. News plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion. Therefore, the ability of AI to produce content with accuracy is a major point of contention.
POLITICAL VIEWS ON AI AND JOURNALISM: A BIPARTISAN CONCERN
Interestingly, both Republicans and Democrats share similar concerns about AI’s effect on news and journalism. While Republicans typically have less trust in national news organizations compared to Democrats, their views on AI’s influence are aligned. About 21% of Republicans and 18% of Democrats believe that AI would outperform human journalists in writing news stories. Additionally, concerns about AI misinformation are widespread across party lines. A total of 67% of Republicans and 68% of Democrats express strong worry over inaccurate information from AI.
EDUCATION AND AI: HIGHER EDUCATION FUELS PESSIMISM
The survey also reveals that education plays a significant role in shaping views about AI’s impact on journalism. Americans with at least some college
A CAUTIOUS OUTLOOK ON AI IN JOURNALISM
The growing presence of artificial intelligence in the news industry is met with skepticism and caution. AI has the potential to streamline certain aspects of news production. Yet, many Americans fear it will lead to job losses. They also worry about misinformation and a decline in news quality. The survey highlights that public trust in AI’s ability to replace journalists is low, with widespread concerns about the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated content. As the media industry continues to grapple with these technological shifts, the future of journalism remains uncertain, and many worry about the long-term effects of AI on the profession and the public’s access to accurate, unbiased information.
