this post was submitted on 23 May 2024
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Already facing scandal, the Washington Post's new-ish CEO and publisher, Will Lewis, has announced that the newspaper will be pivoting to artificial intelligence to turn around its dismal financial situation.

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[–] supafuzz@hexbear.net 85 points 4 months ago (6 children)

how does nobody ever seem to notice that it doesn't fucking work

[–] Parsani@hexbear.net 54 points 4 months ago

It works great. I use it everyday while working in a virtual reality office trading NFTs. My timesheet is on a blockchain.

[–] Owl@hexbear.net 41 points 4 months ago (3 children)

C-suite types mostly interact with upper management, who tell them nothing but puffed up bullshit, which they spun from middle management, who tell them nothing but puffed up bullshit, etc.

So sometimes I wonder if the reason they believe in AI so much is that it really is as competent as the people around them.

[–] buckykat@hexbear.net 21 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I have a similar suspicion about those terrible ai image facebook jesus posts, like the people posting them actually don't notice the extra arms and legs

[–] InevitableSwing@hexbear.net 12 points 4 months ago

My all-time favorite is anything religious. Jesus freaks lecture the world that the bible is the "word of God" and they also proclaim stuff like "They follow every word of it."

Oh, yeah? The SUV-sized Holy Bibble has cops, soldiers, guns, and the like because that's the holy text of Facebook 3:16?

[–] Findom_DeLuise@hexbear.net 9 points 4 months ago

B-but my Senior Vice President of Cargo Culting said that line would go up!

[–] SacredExcrement@hexbear.net 7 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (1 children)

I have a core memory of years ago, maybe a few months after I first started working my current white collar job.

In passing, I had our controller (accounting VP basically) ask me how it was going, and I made some off the cuff remark about how something was having issues (but it was minor).

He immediately grew concerned, pressed me on it a bit, and I was honest about it (but again, from what I recall it was pretty minor in the scheme of even day to day things). I had my immediate boss exasperatedly ask me later that day why I told this guy what I had

[–] keepcarrot@hexbear.net 5 points 4 months ago

Damn, I'd suck in that situation.

[–] EnsignRedshirt@hexbear.net 40 points 4 months ago (1 children)

It drives me insane! People keep talking about what AI is going to do while ignoring that it currently doesn’t do anything. Every application is just a tech demo or a needless augmentation of something that already existed. Anyone who has “lost their job” to AI was already going to be fired and got “we replaced you with AI” as an excuse. Nonsense all the way down.

[–] TheBroodian@hexbear.net 18 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

Same story as with nft's, it was always tremendously obvious on its face to be an absolute scam that had no practical purpose or value, yet inflated to nonsensical proportions nevertheless - all of which was also incredibly infuriating to me

[–] iridaniotter@hexbear.net 32 points 4 months ago (1 children)

If I had to guess, the bosses see the glamorous PR videos the companies put out, tell their managers to get it done, and you end up with a large chain of people (and a time delay) between the people who have to use it and know it doesn't do what people think it does, and the people demanding they use it because they think it's real.

[–] Findom_DeLuise@hexbear.net 22 points 4 months ago

I'm watching this play out in real time where I work. I was hoping that what it meant was they would train a neural net for making automated, semi-intelligent optimizations on our utility systems based on known inputs and usage patterns, but in reality it probably means a bunch of customer service people are about to get laid off for six months and then rehired or replaced when the magic bean[i]s don't pan out as expected. The CTO will get a golden parachute and move on to greener pastures, and we'll get some new asshole who is even more backwards than the last two, and rates will go up anyway because Texas will be too hot or too cold for a week, so everyone else must suffer.

[–] radiofreeval@hexbear.net 5 points 4 months ago

All I've ever used it for is questions so stupid that the IRC channel would be mean to me

[–] largerfather@hexbear.net 2 points 4 months ago

works great at writing software tests. at this point i basically won’t code without it

[–] Teekeeus@hexbear.net 60 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I don't think they need advanced AI to copy and paste state department and CIA press releases

[–] EstraDoll@hexbear.net 35 points 4 months ago

for now, but it will suddenly stop working in 2026 when the CIA turns to AI generated press releases that constantly leak classified documents

[–] AernaLingus@hexbear.net 54 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Can some explain to me why the fuck Bezos would even care about the profitability of the Post? It's not like he bought it because he thought it was gonna be some great investment, and those losses are pocket change to him.

[–] flan@hexbear.net 28 points 4 months ago

he can't help himself but turn everything into P&L-driven hellholes.

[–] Tempo@lemmy.ml 46 points 4 months ago (1 children)

"As a large language model trained to write extremely poor quality articles with catchy headlines, even I cannot stoop that low."

[–] InevitableSwing@hexbear.net 28 points 4 months ago

In praise of neo-listicles

The many surprising ways in the world that listicles can teach us and show us which have not been fully explored

By Al "That's AL not AI" Hackneyed

First of all - what is a list? A list is...

I have to admit that I love doing parodies of AI and/or bad writing

[–] Dirt_Owl@hexbear.net 44 points 4 months ago (3 children)

What is up with capitalists? Why would a news room need this? Why are they so desperate to use AI?

[–] PolandIsAStateOfMind@lemmygrad.ml 23 points 4 months ago

It's first major automation in a pretty long time, and to boot, it's in a multiple fields which were previously thought to be impossible to automate: writing, art, etc. So there is large untapped potential in reducing variable capital, every capitalist immediately gets hardon on the mere thought of that.

[–] BynarsAreOk@hexbear.net 16 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

Its important to remind that as you know some of these news outlets already had to transition from physical to digital media and this transition was entirely driven the 2000's Google monopoly on the internet. Everything was about search traffic and SEO.

Things changed a bit when social media started to drive traffic on their own taking some of that share from Google search but only the platform changed, not the methods.

In the age of competing both for SEO and for social media engagement, real "journalism" i.e actual humans to write reasonably accurate 500-1000 word articles to drive traffic are not important anymore. IMO the authority website model google created is long dead or irrelevant, these giant websites will never leave the #1 spot anymore anyway so the only competition is among those that can afford to pay for adsense(literaly why google pushes top paid results over actual search for some time now, they're desperate).

Old black hat SEO tools have existed right alongside Google since 2006. This AI paradigm then is just another step along these black hat tools, now not deemed black hat anymore and openly embraced.

When google became "the internet" the enshitiffication future was sealed. AI is just another tool from this long process not at all new though I guess people are also more aware now that this hit the mainstream. yet people forget the industry was using bots to spin fake articles almost 20 years ago already.

When I started sort of paying attention to some of these mainstream "news" sources since the Ukraine war, I immidiately noticed so much of it is rage bait shit or just sometimes literaly copy pasting between multiple sites, beyond the AP nonsense, narratives are sometimes repeated almost verbatim between WSJ/BI/NYT etc. The end result really is, do you need to pay someone to copy paste narratives when the AI can sort of do it well enough anyway?

I'll tell you this, if the year was 2008 these AI tools would be banned by Google and you'd be heavily penalized, heck perhaps naively I even believe they would change their algo specificaly to counter this as they did many times in the past to sort of "fight" the low hanging fruit black hat SEO of 10-15 years ago.

Alas not only they lost that battle but they openly embrace it now that even Google themselves acknowledge the dead internet theory is something to consider and the only thing that realy matters is making money. As a consequence, if even the monopoly owners don't care anymore then this is the result, every webpage will be some form of AI/bot content.

[–] Big_Bob@hexbear.net 13 points 4 months ago

I'm no expert, so take this with a grain of salt.

I'm guessing the rate of profit has sunken so low that, paradoxically enough, having employees is too much of a cost.

It's impossible to scale down operations. There is no more fat to trim. No other costs left to cut, except salaries and livelihoods.

If it means the capitalists can squeeze out just a few more pennies in profit, they will gladly saw off the branch they sit on.

There is no future beyond the next quarter. No no considerations, no planning, no self preservation. Only profits.

[–] EstraDoll@hexbear.net 41 points 4 months ago (1 children)

oh sure, all of our content becomes unreadable, obviously contradictory slop highly prone to opening up the paper to libel suits, but think of how much you'll save in labor after you've cut like $12 off writing staff salaries. people will never be able to tell the difference in quality of writing (actually if we're talking about people who take the WaPo seriously and at face value, then maybe)

[–] DamarcusArt@lemmygrad.ml 22 points 4 months ago

I think they're gambling on the idea that 90% of their audience never reads beyond the headlines, so it doesn't matter if the entire article just rephrases a vaguely related wikipedia article, because their audience will get everything they need from the headline.

[–] morrowind@lemmy.ml 38 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Journalism is and has been in a dire situation for a while, but AI is precisely not the solution. It will make everything worse.

[–] sovietknuckles@hexbear.net 8 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

An overall result like "It will make everything worse" isn't measured in short-term economic gains, Bezos will have to try to get us there one step at a time

[–] GrouchyGrouse@hexbear.net 38 points 4 months ago

Future op-ed: "Why running over protestors is good for democracy" by DARPA_GPT

[–] PolandIsAStateOfMind@lemmygrad.ml 35 points 4 months ago

Yes please do it, Wapo demise is long overdue.

[–] Parsani@hexbear.net 34 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Can't wait for wapo journalism to be even lower quality

[–] InevitableSwing@hexbear.net 24 points 4 months ago (1 children)

A near future op-ed: "Some people worry about AI's need for 'large' amounts of energy and the possibility of this tech negatively impacting the written word. Those fears are misplaced. With any brand new revolutionary tech teething problems are to be expected. Furthermore..."

The bold face name writer is soon forced to concede that he receives a "minor stipend" from aiJornalism.com. That's a big lie. They gave him stock options. Not only that. He has to admit that "to improve text quality AI was minimally used." Which was another big lie. aiJornalism emailed the article to him. The "op-ed" was effectively their press release.

[–] Parsani@hexbear.net 25 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

They won't even bother paying someone to put their name on it. They'll just publish the different LLMs by name.

Non-toxic glue is a great meal replacement to lower your Carbon Footprint
by Google Gemini

[–] chickentendrils@hexbear.net 33 points 4 months ago

Truly an incredible system, 340M people and incapable of sustaining a few actual newsrooms with people putting up a veneer of journalism..

[–] thefluffiest@feddit.nl 33 points 4 months ago

Democracy dies in datacenters

[–] adultswim_antifa@hexbear.net 31 points 4 months ago

This seems extremely healthy for society. Damn we are really just jumping off the cliff aren't we.

[–] 2Password2Remember@hexbear.net 28 points 4 months ago

and nothing of value was lost

Death to America

[–] SoyViking@hexbear.net 27 points 4 months ago

yes-hahaha-yes-l

sicko-yes

Burn it to the ground!

[–] The_Riddler@hexbear.net 26 points 4 months ago

libel time lmao

[–] wtypstanaccount04@hexbear.net 25 points 4 months ago

You wanna know what news organization isn't pivoting to AI?

CGTN

[–] SnowySkyes@hexbear.net 24 points 4 months ago

That's one way to slam the gas on bankruptcy.

[–] SpiderFarmer@hexbear.net 19 points 4 months ago

Save money? Aren't you owned by fucking Bezos?

[–] lil_tank@lemmygrad.ml 13 points 4 months ago (3 children)

Here's what it would look like

Write an article in the style of the Washington Post on how we can save western civilization

spoilerChatGPT Saving Western Civilization: A Path Forward

By [Your Name]

In recent years, the notion of Western civilization facing an existential crisis has been a frequent topic of discourse, sparking debates across academic, political, and cultural arenas. Concerns about declining social cohesion, eroding democratic norms, and waning cultural identity have prompted a pressing question: How can we save Western civilization? While the challenges are complex, a multifaceted approach rooted in education, civic engagement, and cultural revitalization offers a promising path forward.

Reinvigorating Education

Education is the bedrock of any civilization. In the West, a renewed focus on comprehensive and inclusive education is imperative. This means not only revisiting classical education but also integrating diverse perspectives that reflect the evolving nature of our societies. Curricula should emphasize critical thinking, history, and the arts, fostering a generation capable of nuanced understanding and innovative problem-solving.

Moreover, STEM education must remain a priority, but it should be balanced with the humanities to ensure students develop a well-rounded worldview. Encouraging interdisciplinary studies can help bridge the gap between technological advancements and ethical considerations, preparing students to navigate and shape the future responsibly.

Fostering Civic Engagement

A vibrant democracy relies on active and informed citizenry. Strengthening civic engagement requires efforts at multiple levels. Schools should incorporate robust civics education, teaching students the fundamentals of governance, civil rights, and the importance of participation in democratic processes. Beyond the classroom, community organizations and local governments can play a pivotal role in promoting civic initiatives.

Media literacy is another critical component. In an age of information overload and rampant misinformation, equipping citizens with the tools to discern credible sources from falsehoods is essential. Public campaigns and educational programs aimed at enhancing media literacy can empower individuals to make informed decisions and participate more effectively in civic life.

Cultural Revitalization

Western civilization's cultural heritage is both a source of pride and a foundation upon which to build a more inclusive future. Celebrating and preserving this heritage while embracing multiculturalism can create a more cohesive and dynamic society. Supporting the arts, literature, and public history projects can foster a shared sense of identity and purpose.

Public spaces and institutions, such as museums, theaters, and libraries, should be accessible and engaging, serving as hubs for cultural exchange and dialogue. Encouraging public art and cultural festivals can also strengthen community bonds and promote mutual understanding.

Addressing Socioeconomic Disparities

Economic inequality poses a significant threat to social cohesion and democratic stability. Ensuring equitable access to opportunities is crucial for a thriving society. Policies aimed at reducing poverty, improving healthcare, and expanding access to education and housing can mitigate the impacts of socioeconomic disparities.

Investing in job training and creating pathways to well-paying careers, particularly in emerging industries, can empower individuals and foster economic resilience. Moreover, supporting small businesses and local economies can invigorate communities and reduce dependency on large, impersonal corporations.

Promoting Environmental Sustainability

The health of our civilization is inextricably linked to the health of our planet. Addressing climate change and promoting sustainable practices are vital for long-term prosperity. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and protecting natural resources can ensure a livable environment for future generations.

Engaging communities in sustainability efforts and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship can also strengthen societal bonds. Local initiatives, such as urban gardens and community clean-ups, not only improve the environment but also promote collaboration and a shared sense of responsibility.

Conclusion

Saving Western civilization is not a matter of nostalgia for a bygone era but a forward-looking endeavor that requires adaptation, inclusivity, and resilience. By reinvigorating education, fostering civic engagement, revitalizing culture, addressing socioeconomic disparities, and promoting environmental sustainability, we can chart a course toward a more vibrant and enduring civilization. The challenges are great, but with collective effort and a commitment to our shared values, a brighter future is within reach.

Message ChatGPT

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info. ChatGPT

[–] Des@hexbear.net 6 points 4 months ago

waPoGPT is a succdem

[–] InevitableSwing@hexbear.net 5 points 4 months ago

I didn't have the impatience to read the whole thing. I skipped to the end. With my small edits - it's ready to use by a DC dem pol

~~Saving Western civilization~~ Protecting democracy is not a matter of nostalgia for a bygone era but a forward-looking endeavor that requires adaptation, inclusivity, and resilience. By reinvigorating education, fostering civic engagement, revitalizing culture, addressing ~~socioeconomic~~ disparities, and promoting environmental sustainability, we can chart a course toward a more vibrant and enduring ~~civilization~~ democracy. The challenges are great, but with collective effort and a commitment to our shared values, a brighter future is within reach.

[–] largerfather@hexbear.net 5 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (1 children)

fwiw this sucks ass. as bad as wapo is, i can’t imagine an actual reporter producing worse

[–] lil_tank@lemmygrad.ml 4 points 4 months ago

Yeah same tbh, I'd take their liberal smug wordplay over whatever this is

[–] WashedAnus@hexbear.net 9 points 4 months ago

Democracy Dies in Goopness

[–] Diuretic_Materialism@hexbear.net 7 points 4 months ago (1 children)

write an article on the potential negative effects of using AI to write news reports in the style of the Washington Post

The Perils of AI Journalism: Navigating the Hazards of Automated News Reporting

In an era where technology intertwines seamlessly with everyday life, the realm of journalism stands at the forefront of innovation. With the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the landscape of news reporting has undergone a remarkable transformation. The ability of AI to generate news articles swiftly and efficiently has been heralded as a groundbreaking development, promising to streamline newsrooms and enhance the dissemination of information. However, beneath the veneer of progress lies a myriad of potential negative effects that warrant careful consideration.

The Erosion of Editorial Integrity

At the heart of journalism lies the principle of editorial integrity—the commitment to accuracy, impartiality, and accountability. Yet, the utilization of AI in news reporting poses a significant threat to this fundamental tenet. While AI algorithms excel at processing vast amounts of data and producing content at unparalleled speeds, they lack the nuanced understanding and ethical discernment inherent to human journalists.

AI-generated news articles run the risk of prioritizing sensationalism over substance, perpetuating misinformation, and reinforcing existing biases encoded within the algorithms. Without the critical oversight of human editors, the veracity and credibility of AI-generated news reports may be compromised, undermining public trust in the media.

Homogenization of News Content

Another concern stemming from the proliferation of AI journalism is the homogenization of news content. As news organizations increasingly rely on AI to produce articles, there is a tendency towards standardization and uniformity in reporting style and content. The distinct voices and perspectives of individual journalists may be supplanted by a generic, formulaic approach dictated by algorithmic parameters.

This homogenization not only stifles journalistic creativity and diversity but also diminishes the richness and depth of news coverage. In a world where information is abundant, the human element—empathy, context, and interpretation—becomes all the more indispensable in fostering understanding and engagement among audiences.

Displacement of Journalistic Jobs

The integration of AI in newsrooms raises concerns about the displacement of journalistic jobs. While proponents argue that AI can augment journalists' capabilities and alleviate mundane tasks, there is a legitimate fear that it may ultimately lead to job losses within the industry. As AI algorithms become increasingly sophisticated, capable of generating high-quality news articles with minimal human intervention, the demand for human journalists may diminish.

The ramifications of widespread job displacement extend beyond economic considerations, impacting the fabric of society and democracy. A thriving media ecosystem depends on a diverse array of voices and perspectives, which could be jeopardized by the erosion of traditional journalism roles in favor of automated solutions.

Safeguarding the Future of Journalism

Addressing the potential negative effects of AI in news reporting necessitates a multifaceted approach that balances innovation with ethical considerations. While AI holds tremendous potential to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of news production, its deployment must be accompanied by robust safeguards to uphold editorial integrity, diversity, and transparency.

Investments in media literacy initiatives are essential to empower audiences to critically evaluate AI-generated content and discern fact from fiction. Furthermore, news organizations must prioritize the integration of ethical guidelines and oversight mechanisms to mitigate the risks of bias and misinformation inherent in AI algorithms.

Ultimately, the future of journalism hinges on striking a delicate balance between harnessing the power of AI and preserving the core principles of journalistic integrity and autonomy. By navigating the hazards of automated news reporting with foresight and vigilance, we can chart a course towards a more informed, inclusive, and resilient media landscape.

[–] alexandra_kollontai@hexbear.net 2 points 4 months ago

did you tell it to write with pretentious word choices or did it just do that on its own? lol