Role and perceptions of AI in science journalists’ work: Comparison between Brazil, India and UK

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and particularly Generative AI, such as ChatGPT, has attracted attention within the media recently, both in terms of the potential negative (e.g. job losses, promotion of misinformation) and positive (e.g. enhanced efficiency, easy access to information) impacts on various sectors of society. We explore science journalists’ views of AI and how they are adopting and using these new technologies. A survey methodology allowed exploration of differences between journalists in Brazil, India and the UK. The study found widespread adoption of AI tools for relatively straightforward and simple tasks (e.g. transcription, writing support). Although there is an appetite for more sophisticated use (e.g. data analysis), fears around the accuracy of AI appear to temper adoption. Significant differences were seen in the adoption of AI tools across countries, with Brazilian science journalists more widely adopting tools to support writing in a second language and journalists and India and Brazil making more widespread use of sophisticated tools than those in the UK. British journalists appeared more reticent to adopt AI tools. The study captures a transition in science journalism practices; increases in the capabilities of AI are changing working practices. Our findings indicate that the complexity of AI and its potential lack of compatibility with journalistic values, such as accountability, are at least partially responsible for the lack of use of AI for more sophisticated journalistic tasks.