Generative Artificial Intelligence Adoption Among Bangladeshi Journalists: Exploring Journalists’ Awareness, Acceptance, Usage, and Organizational Stance on Generative AI

By H. M. Murtuza, Md Oliullah

DOI https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2511.10862

Abstract

Newsrooms and journalists across the world are adopting Generative AI (GenAI).Drawing on in-depth interviews with 23 journalists, this study identifies Bangladeshi journalists’ awareness, acceptance, usage patterns, and their media organizations’ stance toward Gen AI. This study finds Bangladeshi journalists’high reliance on Gen AI like their Western colleagues despite limited institutional support and the near absence of AI policy. Despite this contrast,concerns over Gen AI’s implications in journalism between the West and non-West were mostly identical. Moreover, this study contributes to the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) by proposing two changes regarding Gen AI adoption among journalists in non-Western settings. First, this study identifies the non-contribution of facilitating conditions in shaping behavioral intent in Gen AI adoption in non-Western contexts. Second, social influence works in a horizontal order through informal peer pressure or professional motivation in the absence of formal institutional hierarchical pressure. Voluntariness in the context of Bangladeshi journalists is underpinned by their professional compulsion. Therefore, this study contributes to understanding how contextual factors shape technology adoption trajectories in non-Western journalism.

Summary of the Study on Generative Artificial Intelligence Adoption Among Bangladeshi Journalists

Overview

This academic paper explores how journalists in Bangladesh are adopting Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, examining their awareness, acceptance, usage, and the stance of their organizations towards these technologies. Through interviews with 23 journalists, the study finds substantial reliance on AI despite limited institutional support and absence of formal policies for its use.

Abstract Analysis

The study reveals that Bangladeshi journalists use Generative AI similarly to their Western counterparts, despite the significant lack of institutional frameworks and AI policies in their newsrooms. The findings show that concerns regarding AI’s implications for journalism—such as accuracy and ethical issues—are consistent with those identified in Western contexts. The study also contributes to the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology by suggesting modifications specific to non-Western contexts.

Introduction Analysis

The introduction sets the stage by noting the global emergence and significance of Generative AI, with specific reference to tools such as ChatGPT. It highlights how this new technology, capable of generating high-quality content using natural language processing, has altered journalism practices globally. Despite earlier AI tools being used, the innovative capabilities of Generative AI in content creation mark a notable shift in journalism.

The paper emphasizes that while previous studies have focused largely on Western audiences, understanding the adoption of AI in non-Western, developing contexts like Bangladesh is crucial due to differing socio-economic conditions, technology accessibility, and institutional support levels.

Methodology

The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with journalists from various levels of experience and different types of news organizations, including newspapers, online portals, and television. The qualitative data were analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding, allowing for a deep understanding of the themes related to AI adoption.

Findings

Awareness and Usage Patterns

• Awareness: The journalists reported increasing awareness of Generative AI tools. Many learned about these tools informally from colleagues and peers.
• Usage Patterns: AI is commonly used for various tasks including information gathering, scriptwriting, brainstorming, editing, and multimedia assistance. Notable tools mentioned include ChatGPT, Google Translate, and Grammarly.

Benefits of AI Adoption

1. Efficiency: Journalists noted a significant increase in efficiency and productivity, with many able to complete tasks more quickly using AI tools.
2. Quality of Work: AI tools provide support in drafting and editing, improving overall content quality and helping to manage large volumes of information.
3. Competitive Necessity: The pressure to adopt AI to stay competitive in the growing digital landscape was emphasized, with journalists feeling compelled to utilize AI to avoid falling behind.

Concerns Over AI Integration

• Accuracy and Reliability: Many journalists expressed concerns about the accuracy of AI outputs, noting that AI could sometimes provide outdated or misleading information.
• Cognitive Impact: There were fears that reliance on AI could reduce critical thinking and creativity, making journalists overly reliant on technology for information and content generation.
• Job Security: Concerns about potential job losses due to AI automation were prominent, particularly in a country with high unemployment rates.

Institutional Stance

The study found that most news organizations in Bangladesh did not have formal policies regarding the use of AI. The absence of institutional support for training and managing risks related to AI adoption represents a significant gap that contrasts sharply with practices in the West.

Conclusion

The research concludes that while Bangladeshi journalists are quickly adopting Generative AI, the lack of institutional guidance and structured policies raises ethical and operational concerns. It suggests that the adoption in Bangladesh operates under different motivations compared to the West, pertaining to professional necessities rather than organizational mandates. The study’s implications highlight the need for contextual adaptations of technology acceptance theories, particularly in developing regions.

Proposed Modifications to UTAUT for Non-Western Contexts

1. Facilitating Conditions: The role of institutional support may not be as critical as previously thought in predicting AI adoption.
2. Social Influence: Informal peer pressures play a significant role in the adoption process within journalistic settings.
3. Voluntary-Compulsion Spectrum: Journalists may adopt AI out of professional necessity rather than voluntary choice, reflecting the unique pressures of the Bangladeshi media landscape.

In summary, this study emphasizes the complex dynamics of Generative AI adoption in Bangladeshi journalism, highlighting both the advancements and challenges faced by journalists in a developing country context.