The Evolution of Mass Communication in the Age of AI: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

Technological developments have influenced mass communication; artificial intelligence (AI) is now a major factor changing media practices. By automating repetitive activities, personalizing audience experiences, and allowing real-time analytics, AI-powered solutions have transformed content development, news reporting, broadcasting, advertising, and public relations. These developments have produced better audience involvement, more efficiency, and strengthened fact-checking systems meant to counter false information. But the way artificial intelligence is being included into the media also begs serious ethical and social issues. While job displacement resulting from media automation questions conventional roles in journalism and content creation, the rise of AI-generated deepfakes and algorithm-driven misinformation compromises the trustworthiness of information. Furthermore, the massive gathering of user data for artificial intelligence-driven personalization begs serious privacy, surveillance, and regulatory control issues. Looking ahead, immersive media like virtual and augmented reality's use of artificial intelligence will revolutionize digital experiences and narrative. Furthermore, human-AI cooperation in journalism is supposed to improve investigative reporting since AI manages data-intensive chores while reporters concentrate on in-depth investigation. Governments and companies are creating rules to handle issues with misinformation, biassed algorithms, and data privacy so that mass communication driven by artificial intelligence stays ethical and open. Emphasizing the requirement of a balanced approach that uses AI's potential while maintaining ethical norms and public confidence, this review shows both the possibilities and difficulties AI provides in mass communication.

Keywords: Mass communication, artificial intelligence, AI-powered journalism, digital transformation, misinformation, deepfakes, data privacy, media ethics, audience engagement, immersive media, regulatory frameworks