Author(s) :

Sarah Higashio Gocsei.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

As artificial intelligence (AI) advances rapidly, the media industry is undergoing major transformation, particularly in technologically advanced countries such as Japan. Yet the extent to which AI shapes public perceptions of bias and trust in news remains underexplored. This study investigates the use of AI in Japanese news media and its influence on news consumption and credibility among young audiences. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining surveys of 216 respondents with content analysis of AI-generated and traditional media. Most respondents were under 18 (58.8%) and primarily consumed news via online websites (36.5%) and social media (34.7%). Far fewer relied on television (21.7%), print newspapers (0.9%), or AI-generated platforms (0.5%). Trust was highest for traditional media (mean 3.79/5), lower for digital platforms (2.99), and lowest for AI-generated news (1.90). Respondents identified political influence (88.3%) and corporate interests (55%) as the main drivers of media bias. Concerns about AI-driven news focused on accuracy (26.8%) and algorithmic bias (23.2%), while benefits included faster delivery (50%) and lower production costs (47.7%). Although direct engagement with AI-generated news remains limited, AI’s expanding role in content curation and production makes understanding its implications for audience trust increasingly urgent. This paper contributes Japanspecific empirical evidence to ongoing debates about the perceptual, ethical, and societal challenges of AI-driven journalism.