How does AI help in storytelling?

ADMIT it. We don’t always agree with each other’s opinion especially when artificial intelligence or AI becomes the topic of the discussion. 

AI drew mixed reactions from the public when it entered the ever-evolving digital landscape. Some individuals saw how useful it was in their daily lives, particularly in their workplace, but others saw it as a threat to their careers. 

There have been growing concerns about AI, including the fear that this could replace the human labor force. Several people even started to wonder how long they can keep their jobs as AI serves organizations with a new level of efficiency and productivity. 

While it is true that AI contributes a lot to the improvement of these enterprises, it does not mean it can wipe out humans in the workforce. 

One industry that benefits from harnessing AI is the media.

The role of AI is not exactly in storytelling but in helping improve the way journalists, particularly the young ones, execute and deliver their stories, according to republicasia’s chief executive officer Bran Ferrer Reluao. 

A ‘partner’ in storytelling

We have witnessed how delivering stories transformed over the years—from being printed on newspapers, broadcasted through radio and television, to now being published on the Internet with just one click. 

While some media outlets maintain their traditional way of storytelling, they have now been incorporating digital tools in a bid to reach more audiences and catch attention. 

This advanced technology is at the core of storytelling by new players in the media industry like republicasia. 

As a Gen Z-centered online news site, republicasia makes the youth’s voice heard by utilizing the power of digital platforms. 

“At republicasia, we don’t just see technology as a tool; we see it as a partner in storytelling, an enabler of narratives that resonate deeply with the new generation,” said Reluao. 

The millennial chief executive officer shared this in his keynote speech during the final leg of “dashcon 2023” at AWS Philippines in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, on Wednesday, November 29. 

“Dashcon 2023” is a digital marketing roadshow by B2B content platform DashoContent, which aims to equip professionals with knowledge about how AI and human insights work together in reshaping business and marketing landscape.

During the event, Reluao narrated a notable experience of republicasia’s Gen Z-run newsroom where it had to work on a complex story under a crucial deadline. 

“It’s always been a question [in the] media on how you make sure to bring news or bring stories in a very short period of time, especially if there’s breaking news,” he said.

This is where AI was a huge help for the digital platform.

While these young storytellers were guided by veteran journalists, there were still times where they had to embrace tech-savvy solutions to efficiently deliver their narratives to their young audience. 

“We’re able to calculate, develop and enhance data in a very short period of time. Instead of having tons of researchers, we’re able to have very few people to gather all [that] data to create and enable us to have those views ASAP,” recalled the digital disruptor. 

But turning to AI is more than just about meeting a deadline and generating content. Reluao emphasized that AI’s role as a partner of republicasia is also to help the digital platform better understand its young audience.

“As we understand our audience, we’re able to engage and create content that really resonates with the younger generation,” he said.

‘Harmonious’ future with AI

Reluao acknowledged ethical concerns surrounding AI, including deep fakes and biased algorithms. But he assured that republicasia still embodies journalistic integrity in sharing narratives and interests of the young generation. 

“It’s really a question right now. How do we really understand the algorithms? ‘Di ba sinasabi nila AI is dependent on the available data? So, how do we really design an algorithm that is not biased to a certain ethnicity, or biased to a certain age, or biased to a certain audience,” he said.

Despite these concerns, the digital disruptor still sees a future where AI and human creativity will “coexist harmoniously.”

For Reluao, young media organizations like republicasia play a very important role in developing such advanced technology. 

“We’re not just spectators of this future; we’re part of it,” he said.

“[Blending] AI insights with human judgment to revolutionize storytelling is the mission right now of republicasia,” he concluded.