• by Ray Schultz , May 10, 2023

U.S. readers fear that AI technology will determine the future of news reporting, according a study by PR and marketing firm Bospar.

Of those polled, 93% expressed some level of fear about AI, and 56% believe AI will eventually fully control the news media, including what is reported and the questions asked of sources.  

However, 53% are comfortable with the idea of media using AI to write news. 

Looking forward, 74% believe 25% of news articles will be AI-generated by 2025, and 29% believe it will be more than 50%.  

But 81% are concerned about the possible spread of disinformation, misinformation and bias through AI and believe that additional government regulation is required to stop it.

In addition, 79% worry about security and fear that journalists can compromise their sources based on questions they ask ChatGPT. 

Moreover, 48% are worried about AI vulnerability to hackers. And 37%  agree, fearing that AI can be used to create fake news and misinformation.  

Overall, 60% feel AI hasn’t been tested enough to determine its safety and security. 

“The rapid development and access to generative AI, ChatGPT and similar technology for media use concerns most Americans,” says Curtis Sparrer, Principal at Bospar. 

Sparrer adds, “While the threat to humankind is still perceived to be far off, the use of artificial intelligence in media stories has raised immediate unease for the future of journalism, the quality of stories, sources, and misinformation, as well as jobs in media in the near future.”

Bospar surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults.