and Journalism
September 6th marked the start of the 15th edition of the International Festival of Mediterranean Journalists, held in Otranto. One of the festival's key themes was artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on journalism. As automation advances in newsrooms, concerns are growing that AI could at least partially replace human labor, compromising the integrity of information. So, what future awaits journalism in the AI era?
Artificial Intelligence and the Crisis of Truth
Cosimo Accoto, a tech philosopher affiliated with MIT, has opened a debate on the role of truth in this new landscape. While a photograph was once considered a symbol of reality, today AI can generate images so realistic they can mislead us. The challenge concerns not only images but also text, once the exclusive prerogative of humans. This means that AI can alter not only our perception of reality but also our concept of truth.
Law, Responsibility and AI
Giulio de Simone, a professor of criminal law, touched on the delicate issue of legal liability for fake news in an age of advanced AI. It's complicated to assign blame when a machine makes independent decisions. The only way to address this problem might be to create "machines that control machines," thus ensuring a sort of automated quality control.
The Human and the Machine: A Possible Coexistence?
Stefano Cristante, a communications sociologist, emphasized that the world of journalism must inevitably adapt to AI. Ignoring AI's pervasive presence today is already unwise; tomorrow, it could be dangerous. The goal should be to harness the "generative creativity" of machines, ensuring that the human element is not ousted.
Journalism, Justice and Artificial Intelligence
In the final interview, Deputy Minister of Justice Francesco Paolo Sisto discussed the complex relationship between justice, truth, and the role of journalists in the AI era. These issues are particularly relevant in light of recent legal reforms and the growing challenges posed by AI to the legal and media systems.
Conclusion: A New Proofreader for the Digital Age
If throughout the history of written communication, proofreaders have played a crucial role in ensuring the quality of information, today we face the need for a "proofreader 2.0" capable of navigating the complex waters of AI. As with the transition from oral to written civilization, today too we are called upon for cultural innovation that allows us to face new challenges without being overwhelmed.
The discussion about AI and its impact on journalism is more timely than ever. Each of us, from journalists to regulators, has a responsibility to understand and shape this shift, ensuring that AI is an ally rather than an adversary in our ongoing commitment to accurate and impartial reporting.
