Unit 2 Draft

What role do algorithms play in shaping public narratives in journalism?

Within our contemporary media landscape, algorithms have become immensely pivotal in shaping public narratives. These complex computational processes are able to determine the selection, prioritization, and dissemination of news content, which in turn significantly influences public perception and discourse. As gatekeepers of information, algorithms can help curate personalized news feeds—but this often leads to the creation of echo chambers that reinforce existing beliefs and limit exposure to diverse viewpoints. This phenomenon raises critical questions about the role of technology in democracy and the free flow of information.

The integration of artificial intelligence in journalism has transformed traditional newsrooms, automating tasks such as data analysis, content generation, and audience engagement. AI-driven algorithms are able to analyze vast datasets to identify patterns and trends, enabling journalists to craft stories that resonate with their audience. However, this (over)reliance on algorithms also poses various ethical challenges, including biases in data selection and the potential for misinformation. An article by the Journal of Informatics Education and Research discusses the fact that AI-generated content can blur the lines between authentic journalism and fabricated narratives, undermining public trust in media institutions.

A recent development that highlights the influence of algorithms in journalism is the Los Angeles Times' introduction of an AI-generated rating system called ‘Insights’. This feature assesses op-eds and provides alternative political viewpoints, labeling content as Left, Center Left, Center, Center Right, or Right. The initiative aims to expose readers to a variety of perspectives, but since it operates independently from human journalists, it raises concerns about accuracy and transparency: journalists at the paper have expressed apprehension that such automation could further weaken people’s trust in the media, and suggest that funding should support traditional journalism instead. 

A YouTube video by Big Think called ‘How news feed algorithms supercharge confirmation bias’ further elucidates the profound impact of algorithms on public narratives. It illustrates how algorithms—initially designed to solve complex mathematical problems and used to pick out and pinpoint miniscule analytical details that would take humans days upon days to notice—have evolved to influence various aspects of daily life, including the consumption of news. The video emphasizes that algorithms can create ‘filter bubbles’, whereby individuals are predominantly exposed to information aligning with their pre-existing beliefs, thereby narrowing their perspective and understanding of broader societal issues. 

Additionally, the video highlights that algorithms prioritize content based on engagement metrics, often favoring sensational or emotionally charged stories over substantive journalism. This is primarily the result of social media platforms, which have conditioned us into repeatedly viewing short videos that require some kind of bold hook to maintain the viewer’s attention span. This prioritization can hence lead to the amplification of misinformation and the marginalization of critical (but less sensational) news, thereby distorting public perception and discourse. The reliance on algorithms for news dissemination also raises concerns about accountability, as the decision-making processes of these algorithms are often opaque, making it challenging to identify and correct biases or errors.