AI reshapes Southeast Asian media, raises concerns on ethics & bias

A recent webinar examined the ongoing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on press freedom, journalism, and civil society across Southeast Asia.

The event, focused on how technological developments are reshaping media practices and the public sphere, brought together journalists and civil society representatives who discussed both the opportunities and challenges that AI presents in the media landscape.

AI's increasing role within newsrooms was highlighted, with participants noting how automation and data analytics now enable faster content delivery and more targeted storytelling. Speakers observed that, "From automated feature writing, real-time analytics to smart scheduling, AI tools have revolutionized newsroom operations, enabling faster content delivery and more targeted storytelling." The potential for greater efficiency, personalisation, and reach was acknowledged as significant for both traditional and digital media.

However, the discussion also raised concerns about the growing dominance of algorithmic logic in how media content is distributed online. Visibility of content today, the panel noted, is often decided by an algorithm rather than an editor. "In today's digital environment, unlike in the legacy media, visibility often depends less on editorial decisions and more on how well the content performs in an algorithmic ranking system. By means of this, it is a common for creators to prioritize the commercial imperative of the ranking system to curate content that would gather quick reactions across the board, drive traffic and boost likes, shares, subscription or followership regardless of whether the content undermines depth, nuance, diversity or truth telling," participants stated. They added, "Algorithm in itself, does not have the capability in the sense of human judgement to decipher the importance of content outside these parameters. This leads to slow moving critical content and fast paced sensational content."

The impact of algorithms in shaping user experience through "filter bubbles" and "echo chambers" was also explored. The webinar summary reported, "Moreover, algorithms gradually enclose users within filter bubbles and echo chambers depending on their interaction with content in the information eco system, more often exposing them to information that aligns with their pre-existing mindset. This results in narrowing critical discourses, weakening of shared realities, logic and constructive critique." The report emphasised the importance of promoting engagement with diverse and alternative narratives, noting, "It would therefore take deliberate effort to promote more engagement and interactions with diverse and alternative narratives for the algorithm to also pick and popularize this."

The "Amplifying Stories of Peace: Bridging the Gaps Between Media and Civil Society for Peacebuilding" project was referenced as an example of attempts to build stronger collaborations between journalists, civil society organisations, and digital content creators. According to the project brief, "By facilitating dialogues, trainings, and collaborations, we build ecosystems where alternative, diverse and inclusive narratives can thrive, even in the face of technological challenges and commercial interests."

The session pointed out that while AI can assist with a range of tasks – such as summarising press releases, tracking news, providing translation services, and supporting fact-checking – the quality of AI-driven content is fundamentally dependent on the integrity of its training data. As put forward by the panel, "the quality of AI output is only as good as the data it is trained on and if those data sets are maliciously compromised to reflect biases, misinformation or systemic inequalities, AI can reinforce narratives which are not nuanced or sometimes misleading, or manipulative."

Participants also acknowledged the rise of disinformation campaigns involving deepfakes and synthetic media, noting, "Disinformation campaigns now harness deepfakes, synthetic audio and chatbots contingents sew confusion and mistrust at an unprecedented scale. At the same time, AI is part of the remedy. In essence, it becomes the cause and the cure at the same time. For instance, AI enabled tools for debunking deepfakes, monitoring disinformation networks and flagging coordinated inauthentic behavior."

The conversation turned toward the fundamental importance of media ethics and media and information literacy (MIL), particularly regarding AI's pervasive role in influencing public perceptions. The session summary argued that "media ethics should continue being integral part of journalism, ensuring that journalists remain grounded on accuracy, fairness accountable through their work." There was a "resounding call for a renewed commitment to Media and Information Literacy (MIL)."

The impacts of policy changes were specifically referenced in the context of the Philippines, where MIL has reportedly been removed from school curricula. The panelists said, "As AI-powered platforms increasingly shape what people see, believe, and act upon, the ability to critically assess media content was deemed more vital than ever. This is especially important in contexts like the Philippines, where MIL has reportedly been phased out from school curricula, a move that risks creating a generation of citizens ill-equipped to navigate complex digital landscapes, vulnerable to information disorders." The recommendation from the discussion was clear, "MIL must be integrated across subjects and disciplines, not treated as an extracurricular option. Further, educators to be empowered to teach AI literacy, critical thinking, and ethical technology use. Additionally, young content creators be trained not only in digital production but also in verifying information, understanding algorithmic influence, and engaging with diverse perspectives."

Panellists highlighted challenges faced by the Global South, mentioning, "media and civil society actors in the Global South face both digital and financial exclusion. In the absence of inclusive AI governance, these disparities become even more entrenched. Surveillance technology, data exploitation and content suppression become present serious challenges." They called for "collective effort...in order to advocate for locally grounded AI policies that are responsive to the shared realities and challenges face in the global south. Through consultations and strategic dialogue, we promote structures that enhance, and do not replace, ethical pluralistic journalism with AI."

The creation of Media-Citizens Council bodies was discussed as a practical measure to address accountability, with the vision of communities not only consuming but also shaping media content. As stated, "We envision approaches where civil society can engage with media not just as consumers but as co-creators of content that is nuanced, inclusive and diverse. These are helpful collaborations to address gatekeeping of dominant narratives and allow grassroot voices to shape public discourse."

The event connected its narrative to World Press Freedom Day, stating, "press freedom cannot be separated from narrative diversity. Both are essential to counter disinformation, resist authoritarianism, and nurture a peace-conscious public sphere. As AI continues to redefine media, our challenge is clear, not just to adapt, but to actively shape the technologies, ethics, and narratives that will define this era."

The organisers concluded with a call for ongoing advocacy, stating, "2025 World Press Freedom Day serves as a collective commitment to high quality and constructive journalism discourses. Let us amplify not just the noise, but the narratives that matter."