Iraqi Audiences’ Attitudes Toward the Use of Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Television News Production and Their Relationship to Perceived Credibility

(A Survey Study)

Abstract

This study aimed to explore Iraqi audiences’ attitudes toward the use of artificial intelligence technologies in television news production and to measure the perceived credibility of such news. It also sought to identify the audience’s level of knowledge about AI applications, the requirements of transparency and human oversight, and the associated concerns. The study addressed the following main question: What are Iraqi audiences’ attitudes toward the use of artificial intelligence technologies in television news production, and how are these attitudes related to their perceived credibility? The study employed the survey method and used a questionnaire to collect data from a non-probability convenience sample of 100 Iraqi television news viewers. The experimental results revealed positive attitudes toward the use of artificial intelligence, with a mean score of 3.66, and a relatively high level of perceived credibility, with a mean score of 3.45. Transparency and human oversight recorded the highest mean score of 4.14, while professional and ethical concerns recorded a mean score of 3.99. The findings also showed a statistically significant positive relationship between attitudes toward AI use and perceived credibility, as well as a positive relationship between audiences’ knowledge of AI technologies and their attitudes toward their use. The study concluded that public acceptance of artificial intelligence is conditional upon transparency, human review, and the continued editorial responsibility of media organizations.