Computers to replace journalists (and bloggers)

A computer with decent artificial intelligence should be able replace some of the most boring aspects of journalism (and blogging). There are already programs that put together sports stories based on the box scores. Computer programs have figured out how to search newspapers and aggregate the links that people will find most interesting.

Computers can't yet write a tough analysis lamenting the fact that the US isn't paying enough attention to Latin America and giving the most recent examples, but they might get there soon enough. Just program the computer to write and publish that story every six months with updated anecdotes.

One long-term question for the region should be whether computers may be able to replace the most dangerous aspects of journalism. With dozens of journalists killed over the past decade, the region could use some fearless AI reporters. Computers obviously would be harder to threaten or kill for reporting on the issue. They could be manipulated, but it would be different than bribing or threatening a human. I see some obvious limitations in how computers might be able to report on those issues, but it's worth asking what would it take for a computer to report on police corruption or drug violence? 

I don't think we'll get there soon and there will always be a role for human reporters on the ground. However, if there was a way for computers to track and report corruption of local officials based on data mining and other methods, it could change the nature of investigative reporting in the region.