AI-journalistik: Automatiseringens nya villkor : En intervjustudie om AI och dess påverkan på journalistiska arbetsprocesser

Sammanfattning

This paper explores how journalists perceive the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their daily workflows and professional roles, as well as identifying which aspects of journalistic work have been partially or fully automated due to AI implementation. The study applies qualitative methods, specifically semi-structured interviews with Swedish journalists and editors, to gain nuanced insights into their experiences and reflections on AI technology. The theoretical framework combines Actor-Network Theory (ANT) and professionalization theory to analyze the dynamic relationship between AI, journalistic practices, and professional values.The findings reveal that AI primarily serves as a tool for streamlining repetitive and time-consuming tasks, such as transcription, data collection, and headline generation. Journalists reported significant time savings, which allowed them to focus on creative and investigative aspects of their work. However, ethical dilemmas emerged as a critical concern, particularly regarding transparency, accountability, and the potential for AI to undermine journalistic autonomy. Several respondents expressed skepticism about using AI for fact-checking or editorial judgment, highlighting the risks of delegating essential journalistic responsibilities to non-human actors.In terms of automation, specific tasks like data-driven reporting and content optimization have been significantly transformed by AI. While this has improved efficiency, there are concerns about the impact on the quality of work and the potential de-skilling of journalists. The study identifies a need for ongoing human oversight to ensure the credibility and reliability of AI-driven outputs.By employing ANT, the study demonstrates how AI acts not only as a passive tool but as an active agent reshaping workflows and professional dynamics within newsrooms. Professionalization theory further contextualizes how AI challenges traditional norms and values of journalism while presenting opportunities for redefinition and advancement of the profession.This study contributes to the growing body of research on AI in journalism by providing a Swedish perspective on the technology’s role in reshaping journalistic practices and values. It emphasizes the need for clear guidelines and strategies to balance efficiency with journalistic integrity. Future research should explore longitudinal impacts of AI on journalism, cross-cultural comparisons, and audience perceptions of AI-generated content.