The second day of the Amplify In-depth Media (AIM) Conference, organised by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), featured a vibrant panel discussion addressing the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and journalism. Fanny Eric, a Mass Communication student from the Federal University of Kashere in Gombe, made insightful contributions highlighting the promises and perils of generative AI in modern journalism.

Fanny began by addressing the audience, “I’ll start by saying the acceptability of AI by students and young journalists is very high, especially generative AI, you know.” This introductory statement set the tone for a balanced exploration of the subject. According to Fanny, the widespread adoption of AI tools among young journalists and students is undeniable. These tools, from text generators to content automation platforms, have become integral to their workflow. “Now, young journalists and students can just go to AI. Okay, AI, generate a story for me. AI, do this assignment for me. AI, do this. AI do that,” Fanny explained. However, she expressed concern about the growing dependence on AI, warning that its intended purpose – as a guide rather than a replacement for human effort – was being misinterpreted. “Forgetting that AI is supposed to help. AI is meant to guide, not force the workload on AI to do so. I think this is a problem that we actually need to tackle.”

Catch up on day two of the AIM Conference here

One of the central themes in Fanny’s position was the credibility issue in journalism, especially in the context of AI-generated content. “Looking at credibility from that perspective, the thing is that now AI does not verify facts,” Fanny said, echoing a point made earlier in the discussion by another panellist, Simon Kolawole. Fanny’s concerns were rooted in the potential for misinformation, as generative AI cannot often fact-check or discern context accurately. Fanny painted a vivid picture of how journalism has evolved – or, in some ways, regressed – with the advent of AI. Reflecting on her experiences as a student journalist, she recalled, “A lecturer sent us to source for news. We all had to go to the streets. We all had to go out. We went out of class. We went to the field, the market space, and we just… we were all around.”

This hands-on approach to journalism fostered critical thinking, resourcefulness, and a strong sense of ethics. In contrast, Fanny noted, “Now, it’s another story. The narrative has changed.” She lamented that reliance on AI has led to a culture of convenience, where students and young journalists no longer value the laborious but rewarding process of investigative reporting.

Fanny also emphasised the role of education in equipping future journalists to navigate the challenges posed by AI. She shared a personal anecdote: “I got up from a class this morning to join the meeting. I left the class. The course is New Communication Technology. I think now lecturers are trying. But the thing is that, as the other doctor said earlier, these things should be incorporated since 100 level.” Fanny expressed frustration that critical subjects like information technology and AI were introduced late in her academic journey. “I’m in my final year, and they are teaching me new communication and technology. I’m supposed to have known all of these things long ago,” she said. To address this gap, Fanny called for a curriculum overhaul. “The curriculum should change. There should be a change in the curriculum,” she urged, advocating for the early integration of AI-related topics into journalism education.

In conclusion, Fanny Eric’s remarks at the AIM Conference underscored the need for balance in using AI in journalism. While acknowledging its potential to enhance efficiency and creativity, she warned against the dangers of overreliance and the erosion of core journalistic values. “AI has come to help us, so nobody will want to work independently,” Fanny observed. “But we must remember that AI is here to assist, not to replace our critical thinking and ethical judgment.” Fanny’s reflections serve as a clarion call to students, educators, and practitioners alike to embrace AI as a tool for progress while safeguarding the integrity and credibility of journalism in the digital age.