The press needs to act

(CLO) In the digital age, traditional media is struggling to cope with the information crisis. 'Influencers' and AI are creating a fierce battle, raising the question: will the press maintain its role as the 'gatekeeper' of truth, or be 'overwhelmed' by chaotic information?

Are 'influencers' changing the media landscape?

The recent uproar over Steven Bartlett, a popular UK entrepreneur and podcaster, allowing guests to make wild claims about sensitive health topics has sparked a heated debate. Many believe that, given his influence, Bartlett should be held accountable for what he spreads. His shift from business to health content has doubled his audience, but has also raised concerns about the accuracy of his information.

This issue reflects a broader trend: the rise of ‘news influencers’ who are replacing traditional news outlets. In the new media environment, attention and engagement are often prioritized over authenticity, leading to the risk of spreading misinformation.

Mr. Nguyen Cao Cuong, media expert, lecturer at the Center for Professional Development, Vietnam Journalists Association .

Mr. Nguyen Cao Cuong, media expert, lecturer at the Center for Professional Development, Vietnam Journalists Association, commented: "We are living in a world where information is spread at a dizzying speed. 'News influencers', with their strong influence on social networks, are gradually becoming the main source of information for many people, especially young people. This poses a big challenge: how to distinguish truth from rumor in such a 'sea' of information?"

"In fact, the press is gradually losing ground to these influencers," Mr. Cuong added. "They are not journalists, but they have the ability to attract public attention quickly and effectively. What is worrying is that many of them are taking information from the press, but do not adhere to professional principles, leading to the possible spread of misinformation."

Mr. Cuong pointed out that this change not only affects the accuracy of information, but also impacts the role and reputation of traditional journalism. "As the public increasingly trusts 'influencers' more than press agencies, we are witnessing a decline in trust in traditional journalism," he said.

According to a recent study, nearly 40% of young people in the US under 30 regularly receive news from social media influencers. Meanwhile, traditional newsrooms are gradually disappearing, giving way to a new ecosystem where interaction and outrageous content are prioritized over accuracy. According to Mr. Cuong, this number is much higher in Vietnam, where social media is becoming an indispensable part of young people's lives.

Mr. Cuong expressed concern about the implications of this trend. "When misinformation spreads easily and quickly, we are facing the risk of information 'noise'," he said. "This raises urgent questions about the accuracy of information, the accountability of information providers, and the existence of responsible reporting in the digital age."

The algorithmic 'black box' and the responsibility of information gatekeepers

The rise of AI poses significant challenges for journalism, not just for 'influencers'. Big tech companies are using AI to create news summaries, but their algorithms act as 'black boxes', making it difficult for us to control the accuracy and objectivity of the information.

'Black box' algorithms control information, news industry at risk of manipulation.

“If people are relying on information generated through AI-powered platforms and that information is inaccurate, incomplete, or infringes people’s rights, we need to act now,” said Lexie Kirkconnell-Kawana, CEO of IMPRESS, the UK’s independent press regulator. She stressed the urgency of controlling information in the context of AI’s increasingly widespread application.

Regulating these technology platforms, however, is a major challenge. How do you maintain editorial standards and accountability when so many sources are creating and sharing content? Part of the problem stems from a disconnect between AI developers and the industries in which their tools are deployed.

Sharing the same view, Mr. Nguyen Cao Cuong said that if the information generated by AI is inaccurate or incomplete, we need to act immediately. He emphasized, "There needs to be clear regulations and strict sanctions to ensure transparency and responsibility in the information space."

In that context, the role of the press becomes more important than ever. "The press needs to become a 'lighthouse' in the 'storm' of information, providing the public with accurate, objective and reliable information," said Mr. Cuong. "This requires the press to invest in verifying information, improving the quality of content and building trust with readers."

Mr. Cuong also said that the press needs to proactively adapt to the changing times. "We need to understand the market, monitor emerging tools and adjust integrations when the harm is clear. But most importantly, we need leadership and vision to protect the core values ​​of journalism in the digital age."

He emphasized that press agencies and related organizations often tend to be conservative, wanting to maintain the status quo and saying 'it's best to keep things as they are; let's try to maintain it as long as possible'. This shows that conservatism and fear of change are hindering the development of the media.

The biggest challenge today is that those in the media industry must recognize that change is happening. But there is a lack of leadership to guide those changes, as well as how to monitor the core values ​​that we want to preserve, to ensure that they remain strong through these changes.

“This requires the cooperation of all stakeholders, from journalists, technology platforms, regulators to users,” he concluded. “Only then can we protect the public’s right to access accurate information and maintain the role of journalism in society.”

Phan Anh

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nhieu-tin-tuc-tu-nguoi-co-suc-anh-huong-va-thuat-toan-dinh-hinh-thong-tin-bao-chi-can-hanh-dong-post336726.html