Reuters Institute study about Generative AI in news | Festina Lente - Your leading source of AI news | Turtles AI

The population of six countries has diverse opinions on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in journalism, showing both high expectations and some mistrust. This Reuters Institute study reveals key insights on public awareness, usage, and opinions regarding generative AI in news.

The introduction of Generative Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT has sparked widespread public and academic debate. A study conducted by the Reuters Institute, based on an online survey in six countries (Argentina, Denmark, France, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States), explores public perception of these technologies in the journalism sector. This article presents a summary of key findings, analyzing the public’s awareness, use, and expectations of generative AI in news.

ChatGPT is the most recognized and used generative AI product in the six countries studied. However, daily use is limited, with only 1% in Japan, 2% in France and the UK, and 7% in the US reporting daily use. Many users have used it only once or twice, highlighting that it is not yet an integral part of the majority’s online routine. Despite widespread awareness, a significant portion of the population—between 20% and 30%—has not heard of the main AI tools.

Public opinion is divided on the expectations of generative AI’s impact. Most foresee a significant impact on various sectors within the next five years, with 66% anticipating a strong impact on media and science. However, there is notable variation in the level of trust people place in different sectors for responsible AI use. While about half trust scientists and healthcare professionals, less than a third trust social media companies, politicians, and the media.

Trust in responsible use of generative AI varies significantly across countries and demographic groups. Younger people, for instance, tend to be more optimistic about AI’s impact on their lives compared to older individuals. This trend is also reflected in the different levels of comfort people have with news produced by AI. Generally, people are more comfortable with news on "soft" topics like fashion and sports than on "hard" topics like politics and international affairs.

Another important aspect concerns how the population perceives journalists’ current use of AI. A substantial part of the public believes that journalists are already using AI for various tasks, such as translation, proofreading, and data analysis. However, only a third believe that editors always or often check AI-generated outputs before publication, reflecting some skepticism towards journalism.

The research also reveals significant uncertainty and a lack of strong opinions among the population regarding the use of generative AI in journalism. Many respondents opt for neutral positions or state that they do not know enough to express an opinion, emphasizing that we are still in the early stages of integrating these technologies.

In the broader context, generative AI is one of many technological innovations that could redefine journalism and other sectors. Public response and institutional adoption of these technologies will play a crucial role in determining their ultimate impact. Trust and transparency will be key elements in gaining public acceptance and ensuring ethical and responsible use of AI.

Highlights:

• ChatGPT is the most recognized and used generative AI product, but daily use remains rare.
• The public has high expectations for the impact of generative AI but shows mistrust towards responsible use by media and politicians.
• Younger people are more optimistic about AI’s impact on their lives compared to older individuals.
• There is significant uncertainty and a lack of strong opinions among the population regarding the use of generative AI in journalism.