Journalists May Be Losing Research Skills Due to AI

A new study published in Journalism Practice explores the potential deskilling and upskilling of journalists due to the adoption of artificial intelligence tools. Researcher Shangyuan Wu from the National University of Singapore interviewed 14 working journalists in Singapore, a region noted for its AI development, to investigate these impacts. The participants represented a diverse range of news outlets, including print, broadcast, online, and wire services.

A primary concern raised by the interviewed journalists was the potential erosion of foundational research skills. The study suggests that generative AI products, capable of rapidly producing background reports and conducting online searches, might diminish journalists' abilities to independently track down information and verify primary sources. This ease of access to AI-generated background information could also reduce the motivation for reporters to conduct in-depth expert interviews or engage directly with sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of a topic.

Interviewees expressed worries that AI tools could contribute to "dumbing down the profession." The ability of AI to generate research, suggest interview questions, and draft stories might weaken journalists' capacity for independent critical thinking and analysis. This sentiment echoes findings from a previous MIT Media Lab study on "cognitive debt," which indicated that offloading writing tasks to AI assistants like ChatGPT led to decreased writing abilities and lower brain engagement among users.

However, the study also acknowledged that some journalists pushed back against the notion of widespread deskilling. These individuals drew parallels to past technological advancements that initially sparked similar concerns but ultimately led to new skill development. The research highlights a complex interplay between AI adoption and journalistic practice, suggesting that while certain core skills may be at risk, new competencies might also emerge as journalists adapt to these evolving tools.