AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CREDIBILITY OF AI-GENERATED NEWS AMONG RESIDENTS OF ANYIGBA, KOGI STATE

This study investigated audience perceptions and trust in AI-generated news compared to human authored news, with a focus on Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. The research examined how factors such as transparency, accuracy, and ethical considerations influence trust, and how demographic variables such as age, education, and digital media usage shape audience perceptions. Using a survey research design, structured questionnaires were administered to a sample population drawn from residents familiar with digital news platforms. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Likert-scale responses to capture audience sentiments. Findings revealed that while AI-generated news is increasingly recognized as a fast and innovative source of information, a significant portion of the audience still perceives human authored news as more credible due to perceived higher accountability and editorial oversight. Transparency and accuracy emerged as the most influential factors in fostering trust, with respondents emphasizing the importance of disclosing AI involvement in content creation. Ethical considerations, including bias detection and fact verification, were also highlighted as crucial to audience acceptance. Demographic analysis showed that younger respondents and frequent digital media users expressed higher trust in AI-generated content, while older and less digitally active participants remained more skeptical. The study concludes that AI-generated news holds potential for enhancing information dissemination but requires deliberate measures to address credibility concerns. Recommendations include improving transparency, integrating rigorous fact-checking processes, and promoting public awareness on AI in journalism to foster informed trust.