Human Touch Remains Central In Tragedy Reporting Amid AI Rise - Expert

KOTA BHARU, July 1 (Bernama) -- The role of journalists in covering tragedies, conflicts and humanitarian issues cannot yet be replaced by artificial intelligence (AI), as elements of empathy and the human touch remain essential in such reporting.

Assoc Prof Dr Shahrul Nazmi Sannusi of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) said that while AI can help in collecting data, organising information and producing content quickly, it lacks the ability to understand human suffering or make sound moral judgements.

He said that in situations involving loss of life, conflict or disaster, journalists need to play a greater role to ensure reporting is carried out ethically, sensitively and with respect for victims and their families.

“The human touch and empathy guide journalists in selecting the appropriate approach during interviews, language use and visual presentation, ensuring reports do not adversely affect the emotions of those involved,” he told Bernama recently.

The lecturer at the Centre for Research in Media and Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, UKM, said AI technology is unable to capture emotions, grasp the reality on the ground or fully understand the social context of a tragedy in the same way humans can.

Shahrul Nazmi said field reporting and direct engagement with the community remain important in ensuring that reports carry human value while reflecting the reality of events.

He said that the use of AI in the newsroom should serve as a support tool to enhance work efficiency and not as a substitute for journalists’ duties in the field.

“Journalists are still needed to carry out fact-checking, obtain authentic sources and ensure that reports are delivered with context and balance,” he said.

In the meantime, he urged media practitioners to use AI responsibly to safeguard the integrity and credibility of journalism in the rapidly evolving digital era.

He said this in response to concerns that the development of AI technology has the potential to reduce the role of media practitioners, especially in the coverage of tragedies, conflicts and humanitarian issues.

-- BERNAMA