One editor warned against the use of artificial intelligence after a robot commissioned by a newspaper to write the NIB produced inaccurate information and cited “fictitious” sources.
As an experiment, Reading Today editor Phil Creighton asked an AI tool to write an 80-word article about a concert in the town of Berkshire, but it returned an inaccurate list of songs that were scheduled to be played. it was done.
The list of upcoming concerts in the area was also inaccurate, compiling venues, dates, bands and quoting fictional characters.
Far from being a tool for journalists, Phil warned HTFP that AI could “make them look stupid”.
Phil in the photo first detailed the problem with the experiment. twitter thread Earlier this week.
he wrote: “AI has the potential to greatly assist journalists in gathering information. At the moment, I manually compile updates and live guides, which takes about 10-12 hours.
“Having AI automate that task would save a lot of time.
“If AI only invents things to fill deficiencies, how can we trust it?”
In an interview with HTFP, he added: “As a print dinosaur that emerged when hot metal was dying out, I was always interested in how technology could assist journalism.
“Using a cell phone to keep a copy on site still feels magical to an aging Catsweasel and is incredibly helpful.
“There is a role for AI in the newsroom, and while it would be nice to explore its capabilities, that is not the answer.
“We have been experimenting with this for several weeks to help create NIBs and downpages.
“They require a large amount of subtitles, often spew out inaccurate information, ignore requests to write in a neutral tone, exceed the requested word count, and often miss the point. They are also powdery. Produce a plethora of copies that are as unappetizing as pudding.
“It is alarming to see people fabricating venues, dates, bands, and even fictional character quotes. It will look like
Publishing giant Reach announced earlier this year that it was experimenting with AI technology, while Newsquest recently created new roles with specific powers to expand its use of AI, including local content creation.
A Falmouth Packet column written last month by the ChatGPT tool warned local journalists that they could be “superseded by machines.”
