Kperogi Warns Journalists About the Risks of AI in Writing
Farooq Kperogi, a Nigerian-American professor and media scholar, urges journalists to protect their individuality against the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Speaking at an interactive session with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Editorial Management Board, Kperogi emphasized the danger AI poses to the unique voice of writers.
“The biggest challenge in journalism today is the impact of Artificial Intelligence,” he said. Reflecting on his own experience, Kperogi pointed out how AI tools like ChatGPT can replicate writing styles flawlessly. Yet, he strongly opposes relying on AI to write news stories, warning that it risks erasing the distinctiveness every journalist brings to their work.
“Your writing style is your signature; AI threatens to erase that uniqueness,” Kperogi explained. He stressed that individual style is shaped by personal identity and social history, elements that AI cannot replicate authentically.
AI and Linguistic Uniformity
Kperogi also criticized AI’s tendency to impose an American style of writing, dubbing it “linguistic imperialism.” He argued that this threatens the diversity that enriches human communication.
“Variety is the spice of life,” he stated. The professor believes that while AI can assist with data interpretation and other tasks, journalists must remain conscious of maintaining their unique voice to preserve the richness of human storytelling.
AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement
Despite concerns, Kperogi dismissed fears that AI will cause widespread job loss in journalism. Instead, he views AI as a supportive tool that can enhance work quality when used carefully.
“AI cannot replace human judgment and creativity, especially in feature writing, which centers on human experience,” he said. According to Kperogi, AI lacks the capacity to capture the nuance and depth that a human journalist brings to storytelling.
Maintaining Neutrality and Objectivity
Kperogi praised NAN for its commitment to neutrality and objective reporting, despite being funded by the Federal Government. He encouraged journalists to resist AI pressures that might compromise these values.
“Neutrality of tone and independence of voice are what make NAN stand out. AI models don’t have the ability to uphold these principles,” he noted.
Leadership Perspective on AI
Malam Ali M. Ali, Managing Director of NAN, echoed the call for caution in AI use. He highlighted that AI reflects the user’s personality and stressed the importance of protecting one’s linguistic identity.
“The smarter you are, the better you use AI. But we must not allow it to erase our uniqueness,” Ali said.
Final Thoughts for Writers
Journalists and writers should view AI as a tool that can support their work but never replace their personal voice and judgment. Protecting individuality in writing ensures that stories remain authentic and meaningful.
For those interested in responsibly integrating AI into their writing process, learning more about AI tools and their potential benefits can be valuable. Resources such as Complete AI Training’s ChatGPT courses offer practical guidance on using AI while preserving your unique style.
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