Human resources determine the effectiveness of new technology application.

In the modern journalism landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) technology plays an increasingly important role in improving the quality of journalism. Rather than replacing journalists, AI acts as a powerful support tool, providing information, analyzing data, and suggesting creative approaches based on rich data sources.

With this support, journalists save time and can focus more on creative aspects, critical thinking, thereby creating higher quality and more engaging articles. AI not only helps improve the quality of articles but also optimizes the process of content production and distribution.

Sharing about the application of AI technology in the editorial office, journalist Tran Ngoc Long - Deputy Head of VietnamPlus e-newspaper's reporter department said: We are always very excited and enthusiastic when experiencing each tool in each technology application to apply to reporters and editors. For us, the most important issue of AI application and digital transformation in general is still the issue of human resources. Human resources will determine the effectiveness of digital transformation today.

“Usually in the hands of young people, Gen Z, they are trained at university and grasp trends, master applications, AI tools and technology in media journalism, thereby creating multi-platform press products. However, using Gen Z is also a challenge for newsrooms because most young people still lack some basic knowledge and make small mistakes, so no matter what AI is used, the newsroom management department still has to spend time reviewing and approving it,” journalist Tran Ngoc Long shared.

Currently, in some countries with developed information technology, they have used AI in advertising communication activities, creating quality advertising clips, attracting public attention at the lowest cost. They use AI to create clips with virtual characters who are famous actors, participating in acting with image and sound quality that is similar to real ones. This shows the effectiveness that AI brings and clearly many agencies and units need people who know about AI and are proficient in using AI.

The reality in developed countries requires that from now on, AI training in domestic journalism and media activities needs to have urgent steps that are in line with the trend. What training programs will specialized training facilities in communications, advertising, and PR have? Will they still train according to the previous programs or train students to be proficient in using AI tools, creating quality media products with just a click of a button?

Capacity building for journalists

Currently in the country, journalism training institutions have been updating subjects related to new journalism trends such as: Data journalism, convergent media and multimedia, social media and social networks, mobile journalism, graphic design... At the Academy of Journalism and Communication, the unit always tries to train journalists towards comprehensive and multi-tasking abilities, must master technology, grasp new things.

The school focuses on improving the content of the training program, updating new and modern subjects to meet the changing needs of practice. The school has implemented some very new contents such as: data journalism, mobile journalism, AI application in journalism activities, graphic design, social network management, converged newsroom management, social media... trying to take advantage of AI so that students can quickly understand, grasp and develop in journalism and media activities in the future.

However, along with the benefits that AI brings, there is also a dark side of AI, which is the emergence of fake news created by AI. It is a product of the combination of AI and misinformation, which has posed unprecedented challenges to the journalism industry and society in general.

Journalist Luong Dong Son - Lecturer at the Institute of Journalism and Communication, Academy of Journalism and Communication said: In the AI ​​era, fake news has become a significant challenge for media agencies, governments and society. To deal with this type of fake news, the application of modern technological solutions is extremely necessary. These solutions not only focus on detecting and eliminating fake news but also preventing them from the early stages of production.

Journalist Luong Dong Son emphasized: This situation shows that training and capacity building for journalists is an essential solution. Press agencies need to regularly organize in-depth training courses on detecting and handling fake news, especially surreal fake news created by AI.

“Journalists need to be equipped with the necessary skills to identify signs of fake news, including the use of data analysis tools, deepfake detection tools, and methods to verify the authenticity of sources. Furthermore, they also need to understand the latest trends in fake news production, thereby developing effective prevention methods,” added journalist Luong Dong Son.

It can be affirmed that the era of AI has begun, especially when this technology is being popularized and widely applied in all economic and social fields. The undeniable benefits of AI require that schools that train journalism and communication also pay attention to including it in formal teaching. From knowing about AI, we will not be afraid, not dependent, not relying on information from AI and most importantly, master AI technology.