AI or Human? Viral Video of Student Newscaster Confuses People Online

A viral video depicting what appeared to be an AI newscaster has generated substantial online attention, but is it really an AI or a human?

The College Forum, the official publication of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-South La Union Campus (DMMMSU-SLUC) in the Philippines, unveiled a video featuring their own version of an "AI newscaster."

"Meet Leah! The College Forum's first human AI newscaster who will bring real-time news and updates about the latest happenings in DMMMSU-SLUC. Through the initiative of TCF's multimedia team, the publication now brings innovation to the broadcasting system of the University," the school's publication wrote in its Facebook post.

"Dubbed as 'a revolutionary addition to the team', this human AI newscaster, like any other artificial broadcasters, has the ability to broadcast like actual AI journalist," it added.

AI or Human?

It was confirmed that this newscaster was not AI at all despite her seemingly robotic demeanor and is, in fact, a human. In this light-hearted parody, a broadcaster named Leah adeptly mimics the style of a genuine AI, showcasing a deliberately emotionless demeanor, a monotone delivery, and calculated movements.

The university has issued a statement to provide context for the video, underlining its satirical nature. Leah, introduced by the university's multimedia team, was touted as a "revolutionary addition" to their broadcasting efforts, celebrated for her ability to emulate the style of an actual AI journalist.

"The content in the video is purely satirical. The publication has no such technology and the report provided is made up for the purpose of the video. We advise the viewers to watch until the end before reacting and commenting. Thank you," The College Forum said in a disclaimer.

A Jab to AI Sportscasters?

This amusing skit seems to be a playful jab at the recent introduction of the country's first AI-generated sportscasters by Philippine media giant GMA Network.

These virtual presenters, Maia and Marco, rely on various advanced AI technologies, including Image Generation, Text-to-Speech AI Voice Synthesis/Generation, and Deep Learning Face Animation Technology.

While GMA Network's announcement of AI-generated sportscasters did spark interest, it garnered a mixed response from the online community.

Some voiced reservations, which emphasize human sportscasters' unique capability to convey a game's emotional intricacies, a facet that AI might find challenging to replicate.

Critics also raised broader concerns about the integration of AI into traditionally human-centric domains, calling for a thorough examination of aspects like credibility, authenticity, and journalistic integrity.

Some individuals expressed their unease, asserting that AI technology should function as an aid to humans rather than a complete replacement. They underscored the irreplaceable human touch in sports reporting, rooted in passion, excitement, and the genuine drama of the moment.

While the advent of AI sportscasters certainly marks a significant stride in technology, it has ignited a broader discussion about the role of AI in media and the potential implications for human professionals within the industry.

Balancing technological progress with the preservation of human touch and emotional resonance remains a subject of deliberation and debate.