Abstract

Chatbots developed on private messaging platforms are a simple tool that allow direct and personalized communication with the public. They have many advantages thanks to the possibility of automating the process of production and distribution of content, and even to follow real time events or live news. Progressively, media are adapting their strategies to use chatbots. This research presents the results of a focus group with professional experts from seven major Spanish media that aims to learn about the bot phenomenon. Results reveal that the media are at an early stage in the adoption of this technology, although they have successful experiences on specific issues or linked to specific events such as the coverage of elections or sports events. Chatbots are addressed to millennials from 25 to 35 years old, very active, who demand specific contents.

Abstract

Algorithms in the strategies of political parties are becoming increasingly significant, particularly with the use of big data and the inclusion of the automation in the production and circulation of online content obtained from personal data. This paper studies the scope of algorithmic political communication, its strengths, weaknesses and implications in democracy in order to measure the real scenario of robotized information in parties. A qualitative analysis is designed based on in-depth interviews with political advisors and consultants. The results highlight the widespread implementation of algorithmic political communication in the main Spanish parties, although their level of development is irregular. It’s detected that automated information systems are being used primarily in the pre-production and circulation phase of the message and are beginning to be implemented in the production phases. Robots advance in their path as infomediaries between politicians and citizens.

Abstract

Algorithms, bots and automation for news articles generation. The combination of these concepts, elements and processes is affecting journalism as a profession, which is going through a particularly tumultuous period as artificial intelligence (AI) begins to occupy a field traditionally dominated by the human factor. This research provides a world map featuring media, agencies and companies that use automation to generate information. Moreover, we looked into the perception of this phenomenon in Spain through a survey with chartered professional associations, associations of journalists and unions where 366 journalists provided a picture of the current situation within the country. Our findings prove that there is a deep lack of understanding amongst Spanish journalists about how AI can have a direct impact on journalism as a profession. Automated journalism will not stop gaining ground, as evidenced by 50 projects featured on our media world map.