Today marks the 26th Journalists' Day. Even though it falls on a Saturday, for journalists, there is no day off when they can truly relax—this is the norm of the profession. Some ask: In the AI era, do we still need journalists?
Indeed, with the widespread application of AI technology in content generation, the information dissemination industry faces significant disruption. Professions in the humanities and social sciences, including journalism, are confronting an "existential crisis." AI technology has become increasingly sophisticated and specialized, capable of generating text, images, and videos with a single click. Its language proficiency can even surpass that of a newly hired journalist, and in some formulaic or templated content, AI-generated work rivals that of seasoned writers.
But does this mean AI will replace journalists? The answer is a resounding no. While acknowledging AI's advancements, we must also recognize its limitations. For instance, AI cannot be present at the scene of news events, lacks human empathy, and cannot provide creative or emotionally resonant original insights. The areas where AI falls short are precisely where professional journalists are indispensable.
In journalism, nothing is more critical than being on the ground. This summer, continuous heavy rainfall triggered severe floods in the Taihang and Yanshan mountain regions, cutting off communication with the outside world. Journalists rushed to the frontlines of disaster relief, delivering firsthand reports through text, photos, and videos. They filled the information void, updated the public on rescue efforts, and provided solace to those worried about loved ones in the affected areas—tasks AI could never accomplish.
In journalism, nothing is more vital than defending common sense. Amid the frenzy of clickbait, some exploit news subjects for attention. Yet, insightful journalists swiftly penned commentaries like *Stop Using Clickbait to "Hunt" Wei Dongyi* and *Social Platforms Must Act Against Fake "Shoulder Pole Girl" Accounts*. Their plainspoken yet powerful words resonated with the public, debunking misinformation and fostering social consensus—something AI cannot replicate.
In journalism, nothing is more essential than upholding fairness and justice. Platforms like the "Sunshine Governance" initiative focus on public grievances, offering channels for consumer rights and wage disputes. By collecting public feedback and forwarding it to relevant authorities, journalists defend the rights of businesses and individuals, safeguarding social equity—another realm beyond AI's reach.
The more AI advances, the more we need professional journalists. The "last mile" of presence and empathy remains inaccessible to AI. While AI can produce vast quantities of polished content, cold data and flowery language are not what journalism truly needs. Journalism demands truth uncovered through meticulous investigation, profound insights into human nature, and unwavering commitment to justice.
A journalist's sense of identity, achievement, and fulfillment stems from this. No matter how powerful AI becomes or how flawless algorithms grow, the need for professional fact-checking, investigative reporting, and the pursuit of truth will endure. We cannot halt technological progress, but we must resist being swept away by it.
As AI attempts to mimic human thought, journalists—flesh-and-blood chroniclers of our times, advocates for social progress, and guardians of justice—must retain their capacity for independent thinking and courage. They must hone their skills in observation, analysis, and expression.
AI cannot replace journalists, but it will weed out mediocrity. Journalists must go where the news is—to the grassroots, to the heart of events, to where the people need them. They must listen, record, and speak out, embracing humility but never settling for mediocrity.
Amid the torrent of time, journalists must remain clear-headed and rational, pioneering new perspectives and voicing bold ideas. This is their timeless mission, entrusted by the era.