Artificial Intelligence: DELSU Don Lists Benefits, Challenges For Media Houses

By Daniel Dafe

Vice-President, South-South, National Association of Artificial Intelligence Practitioners, Jonathan Tsetimi (Phd), has said that media houses will benefit a lot from the technology of Artificial Intelligence, AI, in the future, just as he warned of the disadvantages that this technology will unleash on the media space.

The Professor of Industrial Mathematics who is also the Director, Centre for Research and International Programmes, DELSU, Abraka and a Member, Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, USA, said this during Oasis Magazine Distinguished Nigerians’ Award, held at Opal Event Centre, Jesus Saves Road, Asaba on the 7th of November, 2024.

He spoke on the topic: ‘Artificial Intelligence and Contemporary Media Space: A Brave
New World of Ethics and Engagement.’

According to him AI’s efficiency can be of benefit to media houses because it “can automate routine tasks like data analysis and report writing, freeing up journalists to focus on investigative and in-depth reporting.”

Continuing, he said that AI can generate news articles and reports faster than human journalists and thus enable quicker dissemination of information, saying that the technology can also help tailor news content to individual preferences, enhancing user experience and engagement,

Adding that AI can help identify and correct inaccuracies in news articles.

Meanwhile, he noted that AI-Generated Content comes with certain challenges which he said include loss of human touch since “AI-generated content may lack the nuance and empathy that human journalists bring to their work.”

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He added: “Misinformation and bias: AI algorithms can perpetuate existing biases and generate misleading information.

“Job displacement: As AI becomes more sophisticated, there is a risk of job losses for journalists.

“Ethical concerns: The use of AI in journalism raises ethical questions about transparency, accountability, and the potential for manipulation.”

Furthermore, he predicted a rise in AI and Machine Learning, saying this “will lead to increase in personalized contents, automated journalism and increase in deep fakes and disinformation if not curtailed.”

On his prediction for the future with A1 as it relates to the media, he said “VR and AR will blur the lines between physical and digital worlds and revolutionize social interactions.”

“E-commerce and retail will use virtual try-ons Consumers will be part of the news,” he opined.

The don also believes that there will be democratization of content creation, saying that “user-generated content will dominate,” stressing that “platforms will empower more users and will lead to “creator economy.”

Speaking further, he said that with the impact of 5G and beyond, “high-speed wireless technology will enable faster and more reliable connections leading to real-time experiences.”

On ethical consideration and regulations, Tsetimi said “protection of data and privacy will become more critical,” just as he noted that “addressing algorithmic biases and ensuring fairness and inclusivity will be a critical issue.”

He thus said that governments and other units of authority need to develop regulations to govern the use of AI and digital platforms to avoid anarchy.

Reeling out his call for action, he suggested that ethical AI development and deployment be priotized, propagation of media literacy and critical thinking, AI-Powered Content Moderation be enhanced, protection of user privacy, diversity and inclusion in AI development, investment in AI research and innovation, collaboration with industry and academia and establishment of ethical guidelines and standards.

The Guest Speaker also said there was the need to adapt to the evolving media landscape, while calling for the responsible use of A1.