Not All That Writes Can Think: Can AI Replace the Heartbeat of Journalism?

In a recent forum organized by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), a simple but profound question was raised: Should journalists fear or embrace artificial intelligence? 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept; it is a present-day reality that is reshaping industries, journalism included. From generating content at lightning speed to analyzing complex data, AI seems to offer unprecedented advantages. 

However, the rise of AI also brings with it a dark side that threatens the very foundation of a free press. As the midterms approach and the political climate becomes increasingly charged, journalists are finding themselves at a crossroads—should they embrace AI’s potential or fear its capacity to undermine press freedom?

With the midterm elections fast approaching, the stakes couldn’t be higher. AI promises to transform journalism by processing vast amounts of data quickly, but as the election season intensifies, the danger of AI-driven misinformation looms large. Can we still trust the news we consume, or will AI become another weapon in the arsenal of political propaganda?

A Tool for Efficiency, a Weapon for Misinformation

Journalists at the forum expressed a mixture of cautious optimism and grave concern about AI’s role in journalism. For Jacob Baluyot, Chairperson of Alyansa Ng Kabataang Mamamahayag - PUP, AI is a powerful tool—one that can enhance efficiency, particularly in data journalism. “AI can speed up the process of analyzing data and help journalists contextualize complex information,” Baluyot explains. 

However, he adds, AI should never replace the critical thinking and discernment that are at the heart of journalism. “It’s important that the journalist is still at the center, using AI as a tool, not a replacement for human judgment.”

This is especially critical in the context of the upcoming elections, where AI could be weaponized to spread Deepfakes, misinformation, or even propaganda. Baluyot warns, “AI can be used for black propaganda or to manipulate public opinion, especially during election season.” The question remains—how can journalists protect the integrity of the information they produce when the very tools they rely on could distort the truth?

Roy Barbosa, News and Features Editor at Manila Today, echoes these concerns. “We should not fear progress or the development of AI,” he says, but insists that AI should ultimately serve the public’s interests, particularly during crucial political moments like the midterm elections. 

“AI can be a powerful ally, but it’s the power behind the tool that matters,” Barbosa explains. In a landscape already fraught with misinformation, the challenge is to ensure AI shouldn’t  become another instrument for manipulation, especially when the stakes are so high.

Critical Thinking: The Ultimate Mechanism Against AI’s Dangers

So, how can newsrooms combat AI-driven misinformation, especially as we approach the elections? According to Baluyot, the answer lies in cultivating critical thinking among journalists. “The most important tool we have is our ability to critically evaluate information,” he stated. Training journalists to recognize AI-generated misinformation and to differentiate between genuine news and manipulated content is more crucial than ever.

Ronalyn Olea, Secretary General of NUJP and Editor-in-Chief of Bulatlat, adds another layer to the discussion. “AI can certainly be a tool to help us do our work,” she says. “But we must remain vigilant, and the basics—like fact-checking and researching—cannot be outsourced to machines.” Olea stresses the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity and not allowing AI to replace the core skills that define the profession. 

“Even if AI offers us faster ways to process information, we cannot forget our responsibility to verify the truth.”

Barbosa also emphasizes the need for a systemic approach to combating disinformation. “The real challenge isn’t just technology; it’s the education and awareness of the public, especially marginalized communities, who are most vulnerable to being manipulated,” he explained. 

With the upcoming elections, where political propaganda is bound to be at its peak, these vulnerable sectors are prime targets for AI-driven misinformation campaigns. Journalists must be equipped to combat this threat and protect democracy through their reporting.

The AI Dilemma: Friend or Foe?

The question of whether AI can coexist with a free press is not easily answered. On the other hand, AI offers the potential to transform journalism in ways previously unimaginable—improving efficiency, democratizing access to information, and even helping to combat disinformation. 

For journalists like Baluyot, Barbosa, and Olea, the key lies in how AI is used. “AI can’t replace the heart of journalism,” Olea asserts. It’s the human touch—the ability to discern the truth—that makes journalism a pillar of democracy. We must use AI to enhance our work, but not allow it to take over.

Moreover, it brings with it the potential for significant harm, especially in the hands of those who seek to manipulate public opinion for political gain. As the midterm elections loom large, this delicate balance becomes even more precarious.

In the hands of those who understand its power—and its dangers—AI can be a tool for good. But if left unchecked, it may soon become a weapon that threatens the integrity of the press and the truth itself.

As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: AI is a double-edged sword. Its potential to streamline the work of journalists is undeniable, but so too is its ability to undermine the very foundation of press freedom. 

In the end, the question isn’t whether we should fear or embrace AI, but how we can ensure it serves the greater good. As the midterm elections approach, it’s a question that may just define the future of journalism—and the future of democracy itself.

Article: Xyra Caryl Zaleta

Graphics: Kent Bicol