The article emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in journalism amidst the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and the threat of deepfakes. During the “AI and Community Journalism” forum in Cebu City, Harvard fellow Jaemark Tordecilla urged journalists and aspiring reporters to view AI as a tool to enhance productivity rather than a replacement for critical analysis. He highlighted the need for journalists to actively engage with information rather than passively rely on AI-generated content, warning that over-reliance on technology could lead to complacency and ethical lapses in reporting. The event served as a reminder that maintaining rigorous standards of critical thinking is essential for upholding journalistic integrity in an era increasingly influenced by disruptive technologies.

Editor’s Note: Kudos to Jaemark Tordecilla for underscoring the vital role of critical thinking in journalism, particularly as this essential skill is increasingly overlooked among aspiring reporters. In an era where artificial intelligence can manipulate information, the adage “garbage in, garbage out” becomes particularly relevant; the quality of AI-generated content is only as good as the input and training data it receives. This reality raises serious ethical concerns about relying on AI for reporting, as it risks perpetuating misinformation and undermining journalistic integrity. The ability to critically assess sources and narratives is paramount, especially when technology can easily distort facts.

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