Journalism Meets Algorithms: How Chinese Students See the Future of News

Abstract

This study explores how journalism students from diverse Chinese universities perceive the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms in journalism education. Drawing on 37 in-depth interviews and 11 follow-up conversations, the findings reveal a predominant narrative of a hybrid system, whereby students envision collaboration rather than competition between journalists and intelligent technologies. These imaginaries are shaped by state-driven narratives and limited transnational comparisons, reflecting a hybrid media model rooted in technological optimism and national pride. While participants recognize AI's potential to enhance efficiency and content distribution, they also raise concerns about algorithmic bias, data dependence, and ethical erosion. A central theme is the “viral-valid fallacy”-the distinction between content virality and information validity in an era of rapid information overflow. Journalism training and political affiliation mediate these views, underscoring the need for ethically grounded, interdisciplinary media education and AI-integrated approaches to journalism design.