AI to 'Play with Emotion,' Journalists Warned at Tech Workshop

Senior leaders in Bangladesh’s information technology sector have cautioned journalists to remain highly vigilant regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), warning that the technology will ultimately seek to "play with human emotion." 

They emphasized that AI should be utilized to ease work, but must not be allowed to control its users.

The warnings were delivered at a day-long training workshop held on Saturday (October 25), in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area. 

The event, titled 'Artificial Intelligence in Journalism: Transforming Newsrooms in Bangladesh,' was jointly organised by the Technology Media Guild Bangladesh (TMGB) and Gigabyte, with the support of the Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS).

Speaking at the certificate distribution session at the BCS Innovation Centre, BCS President Mohammad Zahirul Islam highlighted the irreversible impact AI has had on traditional journalism. 

"Without the proper and modern use of AI tools, it will be impossible to keep pace with the times," he said.

However, Mr. Islam was quick to stress the risks: "We must be cautious in using AI. Specifically, the spread of false and fake information through AI can create significant problems for us. Journalists must be most alert in this regard."

Echoing the workshop's central theme, he added, "Use AI to make your work easier. You must use AI, but AI must not be allowed to use you. In the future, AI will play with human emotion, and we must be vigilant about that." 

He expressed optimism that journalists, leveraging technology, would usher in a "new horizon" for the profession.

Mohammad Kawsar Uddin, President of TMGB, noted the dramatic transformation of the global media industry, where AI has opened new avenues in news gathering, editing, and presentation. 

"It is essential for Bangladeshi news workers to acquire skills in this technology so that they can practise timely and data-driven journalism," he stated, thanking Gigabyte and BCS for their support.

The training session, which saw participation from TMGB members and journalists covering the ICT beat, was conducted by Dr. Md. Saiful Alam Chowdhury, Associate Professor at the University of Dhaka's Department of Mass Communication and Journalism.

The curriculum covered various critical aspects of AI in the newsroom, including the effective use of AI tools, deep research, data analysis, news automation, fact-checking, and the ethical considerations of AI use. Participants received practical, hands-on training with real-world examples.

Tanzim Chowdhury, Product Manager (Gigabyte) at Smart Technologies (BD) Ltd., mentioned Gigabyte’s leading role in supplying computer peripherals to the local ICT sector. He noted that in line with AI advancements, Gigabyte is also incorporating advanced AI technology into its latest products. 

"We are delighted to have organised this workshop on the use of AI in journalism with TMGB, and our cooperation in such events will continue," he said.

Other BCS leaders present at the certificate distribution session included Vice-President Md. Wahedul Hassan Dipu, General Secretary Mohammed Monirul Islam, and Treasurer Abul Hasan.