AI, Citizen Journalism and the Fight for Truth
By Aisha Haruna Yakubu
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most powerful tools in today’s digital age. While it has brought many positive changes to communication, it is also increasingly being used as a weapon in the hands of citizen journalists to spread misinformation and disinformation, despite the presence of professional journalists in Nigeria.
Although AI offers great benefits, it also poses serious dangers, especially to the credibility of professional journalism. Disinformation is no longer random; it has become organized and, in some cases, international.
With the support of AI, individuals can easily create and distribute false content, thereby polluting the information ecosystem. This situation threatens democratic values and weakens public trust in the media.
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According to Ayobami Sunday Olutaiwo, “AI helps journalists verify news faster, but it also creates ethical and cultural challenges.” This highlights the double-edged nature of AI it can support truth, but it can also amplify falsehood.
If AI can be used by individuals without professional training, then the question remains: who can Nigeria trust? In my view, AI is a tool that should be accessible to everyone.
However, it should not be misused by citizen journalists to spread false information, as this puts society at risk and undermines the integrity of communication.
Final thoughts AI is beneficial to all, but its use must be guided by responsibility and ethical standards. Only through proper use can society remain safe, and Nigeria can begin to rebuild trust in the information it consumes.
Aisha is a 300-Level Student of MassCommunication at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria.she can be reached via
([email protected])
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