The Employment of Artificial Intelligence Technologies by Digital Journalism Institutions and Their Role in Combating Fake News: A Field Study

Abstract:

This study aimed to explore how digital journalism institutions employ artificial intelligence technologies to combat the phenomenon of fake news by analyzing the tools and techniques used and assessing their effectiveness in verifying the authenticity of news. The study sought to measure journalists' satisfaction with AI technologies, identify their exposure to fake news in their work, examine the challenges faced by AI in detecting fake news, and assess the professional commitment of journalists to correcting false news. Additionally, it investigated the procedures followed by journalistic institutions when fake news is published or circulated on their websites.



To achieve its objectives, the study adopted a survey methodology, followed by data analysis and statistical correlation. The findings revealed that most journalists have a somewhat positive stance toward the use of AI in journalism, regardless of institutional ownership patterns. However, overall satisfaction remains relatively low, indicating a need to enhance the application of these technologies to better align with journalists' professional needs and aspirations. Moreover, a statistically significant correlation was found between the perceived benefits of AI in detecting fake news and journalists' willingness to adopt it, with Pearson’s correlation coefficient reaching 0.554 at a significance level of 0.001.



The study recommends that digital journalism institutions launch awareness campaigns to educate the public on how to verify news authenticity. Additionally, regular research should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of AI technologies in combating fake news.



Keywords: Artificial intelligence technologies, fake news, digital journalism institutions.