AI in Journalism: Tool, Assistant, or Colleague? Vietnamese Experts Discuss

The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence into the field of journalism was the central theme at a recent seminar, drawing participation from academics, journalists, and students. The discussion, hosted by Tuổi Trẻ newspaper, delved into how AI is transforming journalistic practices, moving from being a mere tool to an assistant, and in some cases, even a 'colleague.'

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AI is just a tool to help journalists work faster and more efficiently in areas such as data analysis, interviews, and translation... Over-reliance on AI can diminish critical thinking, creativity, and professional standards, and even create misinformation or be exploited to pollute the information environment.

GS.TS Nguyễn Đức An from Văn Lang University highlighted that only about 16% of journalists are not utilizing AI. However, he cautioned against over-reliance, stressing that AI should primarily serve as a support system for tasks such as data analysis, interviews, and translation. An warned that excessive use of AI could erode critical thinking, creativity, and professional standards, potentially leading to the dissemination of false information or the pollution of the information environment. He advocated for a sober, strategic approach to AI adoption, ensuring it remains under journalistic supervision and prioritizes public interest.

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The mandatory requirement of journalism is to verify and be responsible for information. AI can assist, but it cannot bear the professional responsibility.

Nhà báo Lê Xuân Trung, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Tuổi Trẻ, underscored the fundamental journalistic principles of verification and accountability, which AI cannot fully assume. He shared Tuổi Trẻ's experience using AI for virtual anchors during the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, for analyzing and predicting scores for EURO 2024, achieving 100% accuracy. Trung noted that AI's role has evolved from a tool to an assistant and 'colleague,' aiding in content analysis, prediction, and data processing. He stressed the necessity for continuous training for journalists to adapt to these evolving technologies and emphasized that human oversight remains crucial for final decision-making. The seminar also touched upon concerns about AI potentially diminishing the 'personal imprint' of writers and impacting the quality of in-depth journalism, alongside economic implications for the media industry.

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Although AI is getting stronger, humans still need to control and make the final decision.