AI in Our Everyday Lives
The topic is becoming more and more relevant each day, particularly in newsrooms.
PHOTO BY BECKY THURNER BRADDOCK
Our May issue addresses a very timely topic, the growing role of artificial intelligence in our everyday lives.
The subject has been particularly relevant in newsrooms across the country, with some journalists wary of AI replacing their jobs, while other media outlets have embraced using AI as a tool to enhance reporting.
One particular example is The Cleveland Plain Dealer, which garnered attention for its use of AI to assist reporters. According to a Washington Post article, editor Chris Quinn hailed using AI for tasks such as transcribing meetings, scanning community websites for story ideas and suggesting SEO-friendly headlines.
More controversially, the 184-year-old institution uses AI to draft stories using reporter notes, which then undergo human fact-checking and editing. As a transparency standard, articles assisted by AI are labeled as such.
In a letter to readers on Cleveland.com, Quinn noted the success of the so-called AI rewrite desk. “Artificial intelligence is not bad for newsrooms,” Quinn wrote. “It’s the future of them.”
The initiative was met by mixed reactions, with some critics arguing that journalistic writing requires nuance and depth; it’s not a secondary task for AI to handle. Another warned of the risks of turning reporters into “AI content farmers.”
While these complex conversations continue to take place in media circles, our May feature by Meg St-Esprit focuses specifically on Pittsburgh’s role in the creation of AI, particularly at Carnegie Mellon University, where research helped lead to today’s generative AI systems. What’s next? Find out here.
As AI becomes more widely used, data centers also are swelling in size and number in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Grant Segall takes a look at where data centers are being built in the region, as well as the economic impact and residential and environmental concerns here.
Also in this issue, our signature Top Doctors list covers 1,063 physicians in 73 specialties. This is a list I consult frequently throughout the year if I’m looking for recommendations on a specialty doctor — and it always makes me feel good to see doctors from my kids’ pediatric office listed there.
Last, but certainly not least, has Marty Griffin ever ticked you off? The KDKA Radio host is infamous for his ability to ragebait listeners and social media followers alike, though he maintains it’s his way of calling attention to newsworthy topics, and enacting change on them. Learn more about the man behind the microphone with contributor Emily Catalano’s thoughtful profile, found here.
