In recent years, the landscape of news consumption has undergone a significant transformation, with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots emerging as a notable source of information for many individuals. This shift reflects broader changes in how people access and trust news content in the digital age.
The Rise of AI Chatbots in News Consumption
A 2025 report by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism highlights a substantial shift in U.S. news consumption patterns. The study found that, for the first time, more Americans reported obtaining news from social and video networks than from traditional television and news websites in the week following the January 2025 U.S. presidential inauguration. This trend is particularly pronounced among individuals under 35, who increasingly turn to online personalities, social media platforms, and AI chatbots for news. Notably, 15% of those under 25 reported using AI tools like ChatGPT and Google's Gemini for news updates. (reuters.com)
Public Skepticism Toward AI-Generated News
Despite the growing use of AI in news dissemination, public trust in AI-generated content remains low. A Monmouth University Polling Institute survey revealed that 78% of Americans believe using AI software to write news articles would be a negative development. Additionally, 72% anticipate that AI will be employed to write entire news articles in the future, yet a significant majority express concern over this prospect. (thehill.com)
Further emphasizing this skepticism, a poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and USAFacts found that nearly 6 in 10 adults (58%) think AI tools will increase the spread of false and misleading information during elections. Only 6% believe AI will decrease misinformation, while one-third feel it will not make a significant difference. (thehill.com)
Concerns Over Misinformation and Trust
The apprehension surrounding AI-generated news is closely tied to concerns about misinformation. The same AP-NORC/USAFacts survey indicated that 64% of U.S. adults are not confident that AI-powered chatbots or search results provide reliable and factual information. This lack of trust is particularly evident in the context of elections, where accurate information is crucial. Approximately 43% of respondents believe AI will make it more difficult to find factual information about the 2024 presidential election. (apnews.com)
The Role of AI in Health Information
Beyond news and politics, AI's role in disseminating health information has also been met with skepticism. A KFF Health Misinformation Tracking Poll found that about two-thirds of adults have used or interacted with AI, yet 56% are not confident in their ability to discern true from false information provided by AI chatbots. Even among regular AI users, half express doubts about the accuracy of health information obtained through these platforms. (kff.org)
Implications for News Organizations and Consumers
The integration of AI into news production and dissemination presents both opportunities and challenges. While AI can enhance efficiency and personalize content, the prevailing public skepticism underscores the need for transparency and accuracy. News organizations experimenting with AI must prioritize ethical considerations and maintain editorial standards to build and retain public trust.
For consumers, the rise of AI-generated news necessitates a critical approach to information consumption. Developing media literacy skills and verifying information through multiple sources are essential steps in navigating the evolving news landscape.
In conclusion, while AI chatbots are becoming a more prominent source of news, significant public skepticism remains regarding their reliability and potential to spread misinformation. Both news organizations and consumers must address these concerns to ensure the integrity of information in the digital era.
Source: The Hill https://thehill.com/homenews/media/5354537-more-people-turning-to-ai-bots-for-news-poll/