Algorithmic News Versus Non-Algorithmic News: Towards a Principle-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) Theoretical Framework of News Media

Profesional De La información Information Professional, 33(1), March 2024.

10.3145/epi.2024.0009

Abstract

Technological media effects scholarship in the field of journalism and communication is experiencing a reinvigorated blooming due to the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and algorithm-based information. From news production to distribution and consumption, the whole journalistic chain of information media ecosystems and the principles that govern them have all been deeply transformed with the advent of AI and algorithmic tools. Drawing from well-established normative principles that have guided the journalistic profession, this paper seeks to synthesize the current state of research on AI and algorithm-based news by providing a principle-based theoretical framework of news media. In doing so, the paper organizes a comparison between algorithmic news versus non-algorithmic news according to three foundational pillars sustaining journalism research: news production, selection, and effects thereof.

Incidental news exposure and political consumerism – Exploring nuances

Telematics and Informatics, Volume 84, October 2023, 102044

10.1016/j.tele.2023.102044

Abstract

With the rise of the internet and social media, many people find their news online, often only incidentally. Burgeoning research in this line of inquiry has explored the connection between incidental exposure to news (INE) and participatory political behaviors. However, certain peculiarities still need to be addressed in this area. Working with panel survey data from the United States, in this study, we uncover the relationship between incidental news exposure and political consumerism as well as nuances thereof. While there is a positive connection between overall INE and consumerism, our findings reveal that different effects emerge depending on the place of incidental exposure (on social media, traditional media, or online), thus highlighting that the focus on social media INE applied in many studies needs to be broadened. Furthermore, we find differences between those who boycott and buycott, challenging the traditional composition of the political consumerism measurement.

Social media algorithmic versus professional journalists’ news selection: Effects of gate keeping on traditional and social media news trust

Journalism, 0(0), June 2023 (Online First)

10.1177/14648849231179804

Abstract

Research has shown positive attitudes toward journalists and their roles foster pro-democratic outcomes. With the rise of social media as news sources, algorithms operate as gatekeepers, which may alter linkages between public opinion, journalists, and media trust. However, results from a panel-survey conducted in the U.S. underline citizens’ preference for journalist gatekeeping in fueling trust in traditional and social media news. Conversely, preference for algorithmic news selection does not affect people’s levels of trust. Furthermore, traditional news use moderates this relationship as those who report higher traditional news use and a preference for professional news gatekeeping trust traditional news the most. This study contributes to current discussions on the effects of preference for journalists’ or algorithmic news selection, arguing that evaluations of journalists’ editorial work remain critical to explain media trust.

Cable News Use and Conspiracy Theories: Exploring Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC Effects on People’s Conspiracy Mentality

Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 0(0), May 2023 (Online First)

10.1177/10776990231171929

Abstract

Research on the origin, dissemination, and support of conspiracy theories has skyrocketed. Studies reveal how individual antecedents such as people’s personality traits, intrinsic motivations, and broad social-psychological processes explain this phenomenon. Fewer studies, however, explored the role of cable news exposure. This study casts a new light on how exposure to Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC relate to people’s levels of general conspiracy mentality fueled by the belief in “secret-plotting orchestrated by powerful others.” Results from K-mean cluster algorithms, ordinary least squares (OLS) causal-autoregressive regressions, and cross-lagged panel structural equation model tests show Fox News exposure fosters people’s conspiracy mentality.

News Distribution and Sustainable Journalism: Effects of Social Media News Use and Media Skepticism on Citizens’ Paying Behavior

Mass Communication and Society, Volume 26, Issue 5, February 2023

10.1080/15205436.2023.2169164

Abstract

News organizations require sustainable business models with reliable revenue streams to perform their intended function in liberal democracies. Since the digital transition, however, many citizens have considerably shown high reluctance to pay for digital content, consequently jeopardizing journalists’ watchdog role and substantially eroding media independence. Based on a two-wave panel survey from the United States, this study seeks to investigate the antecedents of readers’ paying behavior for news, focusing on the role of social media news use and media skepticism. Findings reveal that users’ frequency of social media news use is associated with future paying behavior, while higher levels of media skepticism significantly inhibit readers’ payment. The analyses also show that while those reporting low media skepticism are initially more inclined to pay for news, high levels of social media news use function to largely overcome this gap. The study argues that the role of social media in delivering news should be redefined in light of the new paid content strategies implemented by news organizations.