Assessment of the Impact of Chatbots in News Writing Among Journalists in Nigeria

ABSTRACT
The integration of artificial intelligence technologies, particularly chatbots, into the field of journalism has sparked significant interest and debate globally. In recent years, the automation of news writing through AI-powered tools has transformed traditional newsroom practices, offering both opportunities and challenges for media professionals. In Nigeria, where the media landscape is characterized by dynamic growth and increasing digital adoption, the emergence of chatbots in news production represents a pivotal development. This study therefore, assessed the impact of chatbots in news writing among journalists in Nigeria. The researcher embarked on this study with the intent of achieving four objectives; and based on the objectives of the study, four research questions were formulated to serve as a guide for the study. The study was anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model. The survey research design was employed and data was collected through the use of questionnaire. Findings revealed that majority of respondents in Nigerian newsrooms report making use of chatbots to a very low extent. They further noted that one of the most pressing issues affecting chatbot usage in Nigerian newsrooms is the inadequacy of technological infrastructure. Many media organizations, particularly those outside major urban centers like Lagos and Abuja, operate with outdated computer systems, unreliable internet connectivity, and inadequate software tools. Chatbots, which rely on seamless internet access and integration with other digital platforms, are therefore not easily deployable in such environments. The study concludes that the impact of chatbots in news writing among Nigerian journalists is neither wholly beneficial nor entirely detrimental—it is shaped by a constellation of factors that require critical attention and strategic intervention. If harnessed responsibly, chatbots can become valuable allies in the pursuit of efficient, data-rich journalism. If mismanaged, however, they may threaten the very foundations of ethical reporting, cultural authenticity, and professional journalism in Nigeria. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that journalism schools and media training institutes should integrate artificial intelligence and chatbot literacy into their curricula. This includes courses on natural language processing, automation in newsrooms, data journalism, and critical evaluation of algorithmic outputs. Journalists must understand not only how to use chatbots but also how to interpret, supervise, and critique their outputs.