MANILA — At the National Information Summit, experts highlighted the critical role of state media in combating the proliferation of fake news, emphasizing the importance of human oversight in the era dominated by social media and artificial intelligence (AI).
According to Philippines News Agency, University of the Philippines professor Rachel Khan stressed the limitations of AI in ensuring information accuracy, noting its inadequacies in critical thinking and contextual understanding during her speech on Saturday. She commended the Presidential Communication Office (PCO) for its proactive measures in addressing misinformation and suggested that improving cooperation between the press and governmental agencies could enhance media credibility and effectiveness.
Khan detailed both the potential benefits and pitfalls of using AI in journalism. She pointed out that while AI can streamline news production and aid in data analysis, it falls short in areas requiring nuanced human judgment, such as tone sensitivity and verification processes. On the other hand, AI’s capacity to access and analyze extensive archives can significantly benefit journalistic research and audience engagement strategies.
Furthermore, Gemma Mendoza, head of digital strategy at an online news outlet, called for a unified approach to combat fake news, emphasizing the role of fact-checking and media literacy. Mendoza argued that producing fake news and deepfakes is often less costly than developing the sophisticated tools needed to counter them, underscoring the necessity for collaborative efforts within the media community to foster a more informed and discerning public.