Google News boosts AI to break down media ‘filter bubble’ that reinforces biases of app’s users
To give readers a full range of perspectives, the news app will include both personalised news and a top stories option, where articles will be selected according to how trusted their source is rather than the user’s preferences
Google is doubling down on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for its updated news application as part of an effort to weed out disinformation and help users get viewpoints beyond their own “filter bubble”.
Google chief Sundar Pichai, who unveiled the updated Google News earlier this month, says the app now “surfaces the news you care about from trusted sources while still giving you a full range of perspectives on events”.
It marks Google’s latest effort to be at the centre of online news, and includes a new push to help publishers get paid subscribers through the tech giant’s platform.
According to product chief Trystan Upstill, the news app “uses the best of artificial intelligence to find the best of human intelligence – the great reporting done by journalists around the globe”.
While the app will enable users to get “personalised” news, it will also include top stories for all readers, aiming to break the so-called filter bubble of information designed to reinforce people’s biases.