The research project focuses on the use of generative AI to target news content to different consumer groups. We will explore how the latest generation of generative AI can support the production of impactful, targeted news texts and how journalism consumers can be activated by AI-generated content.
The project involves journalism teachers, researchers in computer science, journalism and behavioural sciences. The project is implemented by Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Laurea University of Applied Sciences and the University of Jyväskylä. The project's corporate partner is Etelä-Suomen Media Oy and in particular Vantaan Sanomat and its Selkomedia publication.
The project will collect research data using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Artificial intelligence models will be used to produce and evaluate news texts in various experiments. We will provide insights into how AI can help target news texts to different groups, such as immigrants and young people with low news consumption.
In particular, we will focus on news in plain language, which is in particular needed in Finland due to the growing number of immigrants with poor Finnish language skills, as well as young people with gaps in their literacy and concentration skills.
The outcome of the project will provide insights into
a) how generative AI can help targeting news text,
b) how AI can increase the comprehensibility of news text and thus attract readers to engage with the news text,
c) the challenges of using AI as a tool for news text production, and
d) how understanding the use of AI can be used in journalism education.
The results of the project will be used in journalism education at the University of Jyväskylä and Haaga-Helia. In addition, the results of the project will be disseminated to the Finnish media community through professional and scientific publications.
The project is timely because the effects of generative AI on targeted news production and the hardest-to-reach target groups are poorly understood. We need research on the impact of AI-targeted content on readers. If we succeed in making news more accessible to the most challenging target groups for journalism, it may even have a tangible impact on strengthening democracy in society.
AI-assisted news content targeting
Duration: 9/2024–8/2025
Project manager: Janne Kauttonen
Partners: Laurea University of Applied Sciences and University of Jyväskylä
Funding: C. V. Åkerlundin mediasäätiö