Description
Book SynopsisAlgorithmic Audience in the Age of Artificial Intelligence employs a mix-methods approach to examine and interpret the algorithmic news consumption phenomenon from several inter-related perspectives, including tailored communication, customization, gatekeeping, agenda-resisting, algorithmic literacy, and news literacy. Potential implications for an empowered or rather (information-) cocooned public are explored. The research aims to illuminate the renewed relationship between media and audience and the effects on users of algorithmic processes.
The aim of the book is multifaceted: (1) to describe the phenomenon of AI-based news recommendation; (2) to explore the user experience of consuming recommended news; (3) to analyze the effects that algorithmic news consumption has on the audiences; (4) to raise awareness of the impact of algorithmic news consumption; (5) to inform the public, technocrats, and policy makers of the effects of algorithmic news consumption
Trade Review
“This comprehensive work uses original research to both focus and expand our understanding about the ways that the growing consumption of algorithmic news will impact both the news media business and participatory democracy. It provides sharp new insights at a critical moment in the evolution of journalism.” —Ryan Thornburg, Associate Professor, School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
“Roselyn Du’s book is a roadmap to understanding how the audience of today’s news are grappling with tailored communication, information cocoons, algorithmic literacy, and news literacy. This book is timely, insightful, and methodologically rigorous. This is a must read for students and scholars interested in algorithms and journalism.” —Kerk F Kee, Associate Professor of Media & Communication, Texas Tech University
“Guided by key theoretical considerations, this timely text details comprehensive empirical investigation of the effects of algorithmic news recommendations on news appreciation, news literacy and public agenda priorities. Findings suggest that algorithmic news consumption may not be as dangerous as presumed and warned. A significant contribution of this work is support for the theoretical development of a renewed conception of the active audience and the redefinition of agenda-setting. A compelling case is made for the importance of research on algorithms and artificial intelligence for understanding the future of journalism and civic society.” —Cynthia King, Professor of Communication, California State University Fullerton
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments – Algorithmic News Audience – A Brief History of News Recommendation Systems, Key Terms, and Definitions – Methods of Inquiry – The Pilot Study: Survey – The Pilot Study: Experiment and Interviews – The National Survey – Demographic Matters – The Stories Told by News App Users – Google News vs. Apple News – Concluding Remarks.
