Perceptions of AI-driven news among contemporary audiences: a study of trust, engagement, and impact

This study investigates audience perceptions of AI-generated news across ten African countries, focusing on trust, bias, and transparency. Using a non-probability cross-sectional online survey, data were collected from 1960 participants between May and July 2024. The sample encompassed diverse demographics, leveraging social media for broad reach. The study revealed that trust in AI-generated news is generally neutral, with significant variations influenced by demographic factors, particularly age. A moderate positive correlation between perceived bias and trust suggests that awareness of potential biases does not necessarily erode trust. Younger participants showed greater receptiveness to AI-generated content, especially when transparency and readability were prioritized. The findings underscore the need to address bias, transparency, and digital literacy to build trust in AI-generated news, particularly among older audiences. The study advances theoretical frameworks, including uses and gratifications, digital divide, and cultivation theory, while highlighting the importance of digital literacy in shaping media consumption patterns. Practical implications emphasize the need for culturally relevant AI applications in journalism and digital literacy programs to bridge the trust gap in AI-driven news across Africa. These insights are crucial for news organizations, policymakers, and educators aiming to understand the interaction between AI and Journalism in Africa.