Title of the Essay, Author, and Date

T he Robots are coming! Ethical Implications of robot journalism by Paulina Haselhort (June 12, 2015)

Title of the Reflection

T he end of human journalism

First Impression

A n essay on how the robots can take the job of humans and eventually the world

Quote

A utomation was never about replacing jobs

Reflection Paper

A robot is a mechanical or virtual artificial agent, usually an electro-mechanical machine that is guided by a computer program or electronic circuitry.

The history of robots has its origins on the ancient world. The modern concept began to be developed with the onset of the Industrial Revolution which allowed for the use of complex mechanics and the subsequent introduction of electricity. This made it possible to power machines with small compact motors.

           Robot journalism is the use of software programs to generate articles, reports and other types of content. With new changes come new considerations. As they implement alternative technology, publishers need to re-evaluate their ethical writing standards and address the employment implications that automatic content generation will have on writers. The steps used to publish automated content as well as the roles traditional writers will play in the process will both have to be adjusted.

Writing software and traditional journalists find and apply data very differently. Robot journalism technology is undeniably more efficient at compiling and sifting through online information about current events. Quakebot, the geological writing platform used by the LA Times, automatically produces articles about tremors as soon as the U.S. Geological Survey issues notice of an earthquake that meets Quakebot’s minimum magnitude requirement.  Robot-generated content is usually statistically rich and short, and it is often used to inform medium-sized or local audiences about financial earnings updates, real estate descriptions, sports recaps and geological news.  

This is particularly important in early stages of robot journalism, as most readers are still unfamiliar with the workings and use of the writing software. Robot journalism is nowhere near acing interactive work, but the digital landscape is filled with little-known writers whose work depends on the more monotonous part of writing.

5 Things That I've learned from the article:

1. Robot journalism technology is undeniably more efficient at compiling and sifting through online information about current events. 
2. Robot journalists can quickly generate articles by using algorithms that collect information from approved sources and plug them into templates.
3. Publishers who use robot software should make sure that content is not only correct but also retrieved in ways that do not infringe upon copyright laws.
4. Talented writers shine by engaging their audience in analytical pieces, but they are stretched thin by modern demands for rapid content in the form of articles and social media updates.
5. Article template algorithms can be adjusted to produce tones that appeal to its target audience. They can address readers with an academic or conversational style, and they can mimic human sentiments.

5 Integrative Questions

1. Where a robot journalism is different from the human journalist?  Why do we need a robot journalist if we have people who can be a journalist as efficient as the robot?
2. What data is typically accurate gathered by the robot journalist?
3. Why media outlets must remember and be responsible that it is their ethical obligation to ensure that all sources are similarly trustworthy and their software is collecting the proper information?
4. What is the role of behind-the-scenes writers in an increasingly automated media landscape?
5.  Why publishers should maintain their ethical responsibilities as content producers and employers?