‘Get your shoes dirty’: AI era demands human-centered reporting, future journalists told

Financial Times deputy editor Sarah O'Connor's new book, "We're Not Machines," explores the evolving landscape of work in the age of artificial intelligence. O'Connor, a labor correspondent, shared her firsthand experiences reporting from workplaces globally, detailing how AI is reshaping the nature of employment.

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AI doesn't simply divide winners and losers.

Her emphasis on boots-on-the-ground reporting to understand profound changes from the ground up resonated with aspiring journalists attending the Hankyoreh People and Digital Forum. Students expressed that O'Connor's insights helped demystify AI, moving beyond a vague fear to a more tangible understanding. They aim to report with a balanced perspective, offering readers valuable insights amidst technological shifts.

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The protagonist is not AI, but the person who willingly gets their shoes dirty and walks into the world today.

O'Connor's message encouraged a proactive approach to the AI era, rather than passive acceptance. She highlighted that jobs for miners and translators, for instance, haven't disappeared but have transformed. The critical question, she suggested, is not just about tasks machines cannot yet perform, but about redefining "work" itself. This involves setting standards based on the purpose of technology and fostering mutual care, rather than simply filling the void left by automation.

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The jobs miners and translators do have not disappeared. However, the work that people have been doing within them has disappeared or changed.

The forum's theme of "just transition" was a key takeaway for many. The importance of verifying AI-generated content, adding context, and making ethical judgments was underscored. The discussion pointed to the creation of new job opportunities in areas requiring uniquely human capabilities, such as interpersonal interaction and empathy. The ultimate goal, as articulated by one attendee, is to navigate the AI era justly, without imposing undue burdens or sacrifices on individuals.

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The key is a just transition into the AI era without people paying a great price or making sacrifices.