AI-Mediated Communication: Public Perceptions and Attitudes Toward AI Generative Content in Journalism

This study explored public perceptions and attitudes toward AI-mediated communication (AI-MC), with a special focus on AI-generated content (AIGC) in journalism. As AI technologies become more embedded in current news production, understanding societal responses is crucial for guiding AI development and regulation. By reviewing selected empirical studies, this paper identified three major trends: (1) widespread public awareness of AIGC, (2) optimism about its capacity to enhance journalism, and (3) fear of AIGC from both the public and journalists’ perspectives. This study also illustrated a significant trust gap among the public due to the opaque nature of AI systems and limited public knowledge. This study contributed to the dynamic discourse on AI-MC and suggested a more ethical algorithm design and timely legislation to promote responsible AI-MC.