1Artificial intelligence traces its origins to the mid-20th century, with significant progress beginning in the 1950s when Alan Turing posed the pivotal question: ’Can machines think?’. In the 1980s, scholars such as John Haugeland, Eugene Charniak, and Drew McDermott furthered the field by focusing on the development of intelligent systems that could mimic human capabilities, including language comprehension and problem-solving (AI, 2022).
2Professor Laurent Alexandre highlights the transformative power of AI in his book La guerre des intelligences à l’heure de ChatGPT. He states: "Fifteen years ago, AI was confined to a small group of specialists. It was a concept from science fiction, with hostile machines interacting with humans in the distant future". No one could have imagined AI becoming a reality, moving from screens into daily life. Yet, it has swiftly evolved into a major force driving global disruptions.
3The growing reliance on AI has spurred a profound transformation across the global economy, major industries, and the daily habits of individuals in technologically advanced societies. The widespread adoption of AI applications has resulted in significant productivity gains, improved well-being, and innovative solutions to pressing global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and health crises. The critical role of AI became especially apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, where it played a pivotal part in addressing unprecedented challenges.
4In view of the above, and despite the advantages offered by the use of Artificial Intelligence applications to serve humanity and overcome a number of difficulties facing it, the use of AI still raises a number of questions about the negative aspects of this notable artificial progress and the various challenges resulting from it. Perhaps the most prominent of these questions are those related to human values, justice, human creativity, ethics, security and responsibility.
5Workers in fields such as education, healthcare, the arts, journalism, and media are increasingly concerned about the profound impact of Artificial Intelligence on their professions. Abdul-Zaher (2019) argues that: "Media will be among the most affected professions, whether positively or negatively," while Egyptian researcher Muhammad Abdul-Zaher emphasizes that the tools of the Fourth Industrial Revolution play a pivotal role in shaping AI journalism, extending beyond the concept of mere "robots."
6Therefore, this research aims to examine the influence of AI on journalistic practices and media production, with a particular focus on public engagement with AI-generated content, ethical dilemmas, data privacy concerns, and the potential for misinformation. Drawing on Technological Determinism and Medium Theory, the study explores how AI is reshaping media production, distribution, and communication, driving shifts in professional dynamics, and raising critical questions about how media institutions can adapt to these rapid technological advancements. The central research question revolves around understanding the impact of AI on journalistic practices and media production, particularly in relation to public engagement, ethical challenges, and the spread of misinformation.
7The study’s objectives include assessing AI’s impact on journalistic practices, exploring ethical dilemmas and data privacy issues in AI-driven journalism, and investigating how media institutions can successfully navigate and adapt to these emerging technological challenges.
8In order to address the central question of this research, the following literature review will examine the foundational principles and key characteristics of Artificial Intelligence, alongside the ethical challenges it presents, including concerns related to bias, privacy, and accountability. Additionally, it will explore AI’s transformative role in the media industry, highlighting its contributions to content creation, audience engagement, and operational efficiency, while critically assessing its limitations, such as the spread of misinformation, workforce displacement, and ethical dilemmas. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of AI’s dual impact and emphasizes the importance of establishing robust regulatory frameworks to ensure its responsible and sustainable application in both media and society.
9Artificial Intelligence is a field that extends far beyond the realm of physical computers. While machines are critical tools for enabling AI, they are not the foundation of the concept. The essence of AI lies in what computer scientists term "virtual devices" — systems that empower machines to carry out tasks with intelligence. Physical devices like computers are vital for practical applications, but the focus remains on the virtual systems driving these intelligent operations.
10AI refers to “the ability of machines to learn from experiences, simulating human intelligence by continuously improving through repeated tasks and development” (Bodin 2018, 13). Its primary objective is to enable machines to perform tasks that the human mind can conceive. While some activities, such as reasoning and problem-solving, are traditionally associated with "intelligence", others, like sensory perception and motor control, may not be. However, “all these tasks require psychological skills — such as sensory perception, idea association, prediction, planning, and motor control — that humans and animals use to achieve their goals” (Beshih 2022).
11By recognizing that AI centers on virtual systems rather than just physical devices, we can better understand its potential and limitations. The discussion of AI must therefore account for its broader scope, emphasizing the interplay between virtual intelligence and the tools that bring it to life.
12On the one hand, Patterson defined Artificial Intelligence as a branch of computer science concerned with studying and creating computer systems that show some forms of intelligence, and have the ability to draw very useful conclusions about the problem at hand, and “can understand natural languages or understand living perception and other capabilities that require intelligence, whenever they are executed by humans”. (Margaret A. Bodin 2018, 11)
13On the other hand, John McCarthy known as the father of Artificial Intelligence defined it as the science of engineering intelligent machines, especially computer programs, this field is centered on creating computer devices and programs capable of thinking in the same way the human brain works and simulating human behavior, such as the ability to think or learn from previous experiences or other processes that require mental processes. From this perspective, it can be concluded that the definition of Artificial Intelligence encompasses various interpretations that integrate the following key concepts: “digital systems”, “organized methods”, and “the automatic simulation of human thinking” (Abdelfatah 2021, 11). This prompts us to examine the characteristics of Artificial Intelligence in today’s world and evaluate its effectiveness and efficiency.
14Nils J. Nilsson (2005), in his book Introduction to Machine Learning, highlights that Artificial Intelligence encompasses a range of technologies enabling systems to perform tasks requiring human-like intelligence, such as problem-solving and learning. AI systems analyze large datasets, autonomously acquire knowledge, and adapt to new information without requiring constant reprogramming. A key feature of AI is its ability to “interact with the environment,” responding to external stimuli, engaging with data, and adjusting behavior based on inputs.
15Artificial intelligence excels in processing vast amounts of data, identifying patterns, and extracting actionable insights to enhance decision-making, planning, and forecasting. Its ability to predict outcomes, streamline processes, and propose innovative solutions often results in highly organized and precise outputs. By emulating cognitive functions such as categorizing and reasoning, AI dramatically improves efficiency and accuracy. Moreover, the integration of AI into various industries is revolutionizing decision-making processes, optimizing operational workflows, and driving innovation, underscoring its profound potential for societal transformation.
16In addition to cognitive tasks, “AI systems demonstrate advanced linguistic capabilities, including analyzing language, understanding natural language, and interacting effectively with it. They can also generate new ideas, propose innovative solutions to problems, and respond immediately and intelligently” (Muhammed & al 2020). This "intelligent and immediate automated response" depends on several core characteristics, including the ability to rapidly recognize and interpret visual information, such as images and videos. Furthermore, “AI systems possess other critical abilities, such as recognizing sounds and speech, and physically interacting with objects. These systems analyze inputs effectively to produce high-quality outputs tailored to users’ needs” (Alain Bonnet, N° 172).
17Additionally, AI can generate speech, convert written text into sound, and recognize handwritten letters, transforming them into digital format as though directly typed. This capability has also contributed to advancements in gaming, making games more immersive and lifelike.
18The ethics of Artificial Intelligence is a contentious issue due to its profound potential impact on society and daily life. Some researchers argue that machines inherently lack uniquely human qualities, such as conscience and the ability to apply ethical principles. For instance, AI cannot guarantee impartiality or achieve justice unless specifically designed to address such issues and ensure fairness in its outcomes. However, achieving this goal is particularly challenging, as algorithms trained on internet-based data are often influenced by inherent biases and imbalances. As a result, automated systems may inadvertently perpetuate discrimination rather than mitigate it.
19Privacy is another critical ethical concern in the development and use of AI. Many AI systems process texts, images, and other data without adequately safeguarding personal information, raising significant ethical and legal questions in an era of increasing digital surveillance. This lack of privacy protection underscores the urgent need for stronger safeguards to preserve individuals’ rights in a data-driven world.
20Equally important is the demand for transparency in AI systems. These systems must be designed to operate with clarity, enabling users to understand how decisions are made and how underlying algorithms function. Transparency fosters trust, ensures accountability, and provides users with meaningful insights into the technology they engage with. Additionally, the issue of responsibility remains unclear in AI applications. Establishing a legal and ethical framework to determine accountability for decisions made by smart systems is essential. Developers, users, and institutions must clearly define who bears responsibility in the event of errors or harm.
21Ensuring safe human interaction with AI systems is vital to protecting users from potential risks. As technology advances, these risks grow increasingly complex, encompassing physical, digital, and psychological threats such as cyberbullying, identity theft, or privacy violations. Scholars like Sherry Turkle (2011) caution that over-reliance on technology can erode meaningful human connections, emphasizing the ethical imperative of ensuring that technology enhances, rather than diminishes, human interaction.
22Protecting smart systems from security threats requires robust encryption and continuous monitoring. However, challenges extend beyond technical defenses. Postmodern critiques, such as Foucault’s concept of the “panopticon” (1977), warn that poorly regulated smart systems can exacerbate power imbalances and enable social control. To address these risks, legal frameworks must balance innovation with ethical standards, protecting privacy, autonomy, and justice. Laws regulating smart technology should evolve alongside technological developments while aligning with societal and ethical priorities. Thinkers like Jürgen Habermas (1987) stress the importance of public discourse and democratic participation in shaping these regulations, ensuring they promote a just and equitable society.
23Ultimately, the protection of users and systems must align with broader goals of human welfare. By addressing these ethical concerns, AI can be developed and deployed in ways that enhance human life while safeguarding against potential harm.
24The press and media sector, heavily reliant on digitization and Artificial Intelligence, is deeply rooted in the domain of information. The digital revolution has profoundly impacted media, particularly in fields like electronic, audiovisual, and agency journalism. These areas now depend on the speed and efficiency of digital systems and software for essential tasks such as information exchange, communication, editing, and broadcasting.
25AI-driven tools empower journalists to extract, compare, and present data in compelling formats by leveraging social media, digital platforms, and advanced search engines, including tools like “ChatGPT,” “Gemini,” and “Copilot,” which facilitate tasks like data summarization and content creation. News and press organizations increasingly capitalize on AI to automate routine professional processes and news production. This automation streamlines the management of complex trends, delivering rapid and predictive analyses of events and elevating the depth and quality of news reporting.
26AI also provides tools to help journalists identify and combat fake news more effectively. These tools empower editors to create balanced, objective, and unbiased reports grounded in accurate data analysis rather than personal or politicized emotions. The positive effects on media institutions are manifold, including reduced financial burdens, improved news output quality to withstand fierce media competition, and, most importantly, “the enhancement of journalists’ professional skills to meet the demands of an evolving media landscape” (Al-Zuhari 2023).
27In this context, Canadian philosopher and father of media studies Marshall McLuhan emphasizes that media content cannot be viewed independently of the technology delivering it. McLuhan asserts that the way media organizations present topics and target audiences shapes societal perceptions. However, the very nature of media technologies has a more profound influence on society than the content itself—a perspective rooted in what he terms "technological determinism."
28This viewpoint has sparked ongoing academic debate about the media sector’s capacity to fully embrace the technological revolution. Media experts remain divided over the extent to which AI can replace human journalists, as AI lacks the ability to engage directly with readers, gather information from sources, or fully guarantee accuracy and objectivity. “These limitations highlight the nuanced challenges in the integration of AI into journalistic practices” (Al-Zuhari 2023).
29Thus, the relationship between AI and the media sector has become a defining characteristic of our era, profoundly shaping the industry’s present and future dynamics. The opportunities and constraints brought about by machine intelligence will continue to influence the evolution of media, steering its trajectory and amplifying its impact on society.
30Undoubtedly, the adage "necessity is the mother of invention" rings true, especially as “artificial intelligence technologies surged in the media field during the COVID-19 era”. As Al-Zuhari (2023) observes, the Chinese news agency Xinhua launched the first virtual broadcaster, merging real-time audio and video with a virtual character. This AI innovation revolutionized the media industry and sparked concerns about our preparedness for such technologies during crises.
- 1 Refer to the Al-Jisr Satellite Channel website: China's "Xinhua" Agency presents the first AI-power (...)
China’s Xinhua News Agency presents the first industrial broadcaster on its screen1
31According to the Smith Research Center report, journalism is no longer isolated from technology; rather, it is increasingly shaped by technological advancements, influencing every aspect of the field. Emerging studies are exploring a new era of journalistic trends beyond "artificial intelligence journalism," termed "seventh-generation journalism" or "G7 Journalism."
32Artificial intelligence journalism represents a revolutionary shift in media, fully compatible with the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. These technologies, now integral to many facets of life, have naturally found their place in journalism and media. “One such innovation is "Robot Journalism," which uses robots to perform tasks like photography and detecting fake news” (Al-Sayed Chahata 2022).
33An illustrative example of AI’s integration into media is the broadcaster Ebtekar, developed by the Al Jazeera Media Institute. This AI-powered anchor, introduced as a "robot broadcaster," interacts effectively with people and her surroundings. Her debut sparked a range of reactions—astonishment, admiration, and even mockery. Regardless of public opinion, Ebtekar symbolizes a significant milestone in the development of AI within media and offers a glimpse into the industry’s future. “It is predicted that by 2025, artificial intelligence will generate approximately 90% of news content” (Al Jazeera 2023). This rapid evolution prompts an important question: what are the benefits of AI in journalism, and what are its limitations and potential drawbacks?
Screenshot from Al Jazeera video - Image of an AI anchor in Arab media2
34The media thrives on speed in transmitting news, accuracy in describing events, and efficiency in delivering essential information, analyses, data, statistics, images, and other tools to craft its messages. Researchers have widely acknowledged the potential of Artificial Intelligence to revolutionize these processes, significantly enhancing the flow of information and the handling of vast amounts of data in minimal time.
35AI can streamline data collection, news processing, and data organization, providing valuable services to correspondents in visual, audio, electronic media, and news agencies. These technologies facilitate seamless communication with field correspondents and enable swift access to information from news sources and real-time event locations. Through its specialized systems, AI also simplifies conducting interviews, generating ready-to-publish texts, and searching for relevant content within audio and video clips, making journalistic workflows faster and more efficient.
36Some researchers argue that AI enhances the quality of media content by analyzing data to provide more accurate and timely information. These systems improve production and distribution processes, saving time and resources while boosting creative potential. Additionally, AI’s ability to personalize content according to users’ preferences and needs has transformed media consumption, making it more relevant and engaging for audiences.
37AI can also generate distinctive news stories by constructing narratives from codified sequences of events. This process involves describing causal relationships between individuals, drawing conclusions, and inferring details not explicitly mentioned but suggested within the context. Such capabilities fill gaps in storytelling, producing coherent and comprehensive narratives.
38While some researchers express concerns over AI’s potential to propagate fake news, others highlight its role in combating misinformation. AI systems can verify the accuracy of information and its sources rapidly, a crucial advantage in the fight against fake news. This capability is viewed as one of AI’s most significant contributions to the media sector.
39As discussed earlier in this research, several global and Arab media channels have started employing AI-powered anchors and program hosts. This trend, often described as "artificial simulation," represents a growing reliance on AI for presenting news and delivering content. As noted by Al-Shammari (2021, 729), AI-powered systems like Aizer AI can generate remarkably realistic videos, enabling individuals, such as news anchors or presenters, to appear speaking in multiple languages with consistent tone, natural gestures, head movements, blinking, and appropriate emotional expressions tailored to the content or program they are presenting.
40In light of its specificities, AI technologies can be relied upon to stimulate innovation in presenting content through the use of smart technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality, as AI systems enable "the creation of videos of specific characters, as AI elements have developed a technology that can fabricate videos that appear real for any person by simply providing a single photograph of them" (Al-Shammari 2021, 731).
- 3 Image source: The Artificial Intelligence Journalism Foundation for Research and Forecasting websit (...)
How can AI journalism change the world?3
41Artificial intelligence can significantly enhance publishing speed and refine AI techniques by analyzing audience data and precisely targeting advertisements, thereby boosting the efficiency of marketing campaigns. These advantages, along with other valuable applications, highlight how AI can serve as a powerful tool in advancing and improving the quality of content in the media sector. However, despite these benefits, what potential drawbacks might arise from using Artificial Intelligence in the media field?
42The preamble to the statement of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), held during its forty-first session in Paris from 9 to 24 November 2021, acknowledged the negative consequences: “That artificial intelligence brings to human societies (...) for reasons that include the new ways in which the use of artificial intelligence affects how humans think, interact and make decisions, as well as culture, communication and information” (UNESCO, 2021).
43Artificial intelligence technology can widen existing gaps between countries, particularly regarding access to information and technological capabilities. While AI is intended to improve human life and promote fairness, it can disproportionately affect poorer and developing nations, leading to inequality. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that AI is used equitably, allowing all countries to benefit from its advancements while safeguarding them from its potential negative effects. This approach must respect the unique circumstances of each nation and acknowledge that some may choose not to fully engage with certain technological developments.
44Despite the great benefits that artificial intelligence can provide in the field of media, there are some negatives and challenges that can arise when using it, and among the most prominent of these negatives we mention weak credibility, since the quality of information and understanding is among the most important challenges facing artificial intelligence in the field of media, which is stated in the following quote: “The use of AI may result in inaccurate or unreliable information being provided, as the system relies on available information and algorithms to make decisions. This can lead to the spread of false or misleading information in the media” (Al-Ammadi, 2023).
45The use of artificial intelligence in data analysis and content generation may reduce the demand for human labor in certain roles within the media industry. Machines have the potential to replace humans in many tasks traditionally carried out by journalists and technicians, a trend that extends to numerous other fields as well. This point is communicated by Abdelaziz who asserts: “While this fear is legitimate, workers won’t be easily laid off. Instead, they’ll be redirected to tasks where humans excel over AI, such as human dialogue or investigative journalism, areas where AI applications are still lacking” (Abdelaziz, 2023)
46Despite its transformative potential, the integration of AI into the media industry also introduces significant challenges, particularly data bias. AI systems are trained on historical data, which may carry underlying prejudices, such as those related to gender, race, or socioeconomic factors. When such biases persist in the training data, AI systems are likely to replicate them, presenting skewed or unbalanced information. This can result in favoritism toward certain individuals or groups, ultimately undermining diversity and inclusiveness in media content. Consequently, AI algorithms risk embedding and amplifying these biases, raising critical concerns about the impartiality and fairness of media outputs.
47Moreover, AI’s impact extends to privacy concerns. The use of AI in the media often involves the collection and analysis of large amounts of personal data. As pointed out by Abdelaziz (2023), the collection of big data opens the door to privacy violations, as personal information can be used unmonitored to analyze user behavior and target advertisements. This raises fundamental questions about how to regulate the use of data in the context of media and AI, as individuals’ rights to maintain their privacy become increasingly at risk.
48Beyond privacy, AI also poses challenges to human interaction. Many individuals may find interacting with AI-driven systems uncomfortable or unnatural, leading to a potential loss of human contact in media processes. Furthermore, reliance on AI technologies might result in a reduction of creativity and discrimination in media content. As AI systems automate content production, the risk of producing standardized, less innovative content becomes more pronounced, potentially stifling the diversity and originality of media output.
49Another critical concern is security. AI-driven systems are vulnerable to security risks, including hacking and manipulation, making it necessary to implement additional measures to protect these systems from malicious attacks. This adds another layer of complexity in ensuring that AI remains a safe and trustworthy tool in the media industry.
50Furthermore, AI’s potential to exacerbate media misinformation is a pressing issue. In an era where a few powerful global technology platforms hold vast influence, AI can be used to spread misleading content and fabricate narratives that destabilize traditional means of information dissemination. “Misleading information, propagated by various actors with political or social agendas, has the power to influence public dialogues and stir unrest on local, national, or global scales” (Ferjani 2023). This highlights the urgent need for regulation and oversight to mitigate the risks associated with AI in the media.
51As highlighted by UNESCO (2021), AI technologies raise several critical ethical concerns, including biases, discrimination, and their broader impact on human rights and societal structures. These technologies can lead to inequality, exclusion, and threats to diversity, as well as undermine human dignity, rights, freedoms, and democratic processes. Given these concerns, it is essential to take these challenges into account to ensure the positive and sustainable use of AI applications in the media.
52The integration of artificial intelligence technologies into today’s reality highlights humanity’s growing awareness of its necessity and vast potential. This progress not only showcases our ability to imagine, innovate, and define ambitious long-term goals but also prompts critical reflection on its broader implications. As Kissinger & al. (2023) aptly stated, "Humanity has always dreamed of an assistant — a machine capable of performing tasks with the same efficiency as humans." With AI now capable of learning and adapting, this advancement compels us to carefully evaluate its ethical and societal impacts, including issues like data privacy and job displacement. Striking a thoughtful balance between human oversight and machine autonomy is essential to maximizing AI’s benefits while minimizing risks
53However, despite the current brilliance of human achievements, it is important to recognize that what we now consider the age of AI was once just a distant dream. Back in the mid-thirties of the last century, the idea of AI was often ridiculed, making today’s technological progress seem even more remarkable. What was once a far-off concept has now become a reality, proving how far human innovation has come in terms of technological advancement.
54The era of AI has brought together a multitude of sectors, with digitization, data, and information forming the core of its foundation. AI is now influencing journalistic practices, impacting both media institutions and public opinion. Media organizations across the globe are increasingly adopting AI technologies to streamline tasks, extract data, and engage with audiences through comments and feedback. This shift has introduced concepts like robot journalism, natural language generation, and algorithms, reshaping the landscape of media and communication.
55Despite these advancements, AI’s integration into media practices has raised several concerns. Professionals, specialists, and researchers point out various drawbacks, particularly related to value and ethical issues. The rise of AI in media also brings with it concerns about security, personal data protection, and objectivity, highlighting the challenges that come with integrating such sophisticated technologies into established media practices.
56Moreover, international organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations, UNESCO, and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD) have raised critical issues about information justice. The advent of AI technologies could exacerbate the imbalance between wealthy countries that can access and utilize advanced AI tools and poorer nations that may struggle to keep up, deepening the digital divide. This disparity could further entrench inequalities, particularly in the Arab world, where, by 2025, wealthier nations may be at the forefront of AI advancements, while poorer and marginalized Arab countries, already grappling with war and economic crises, remain left behind.