Without any doubt, computer algorithms have played a salient role in shaping our lives. Algorithms are used in a diverse spectrum of activities where data is collected and interpreted. Nonetheless, the approach risks being a potentially job slaying technology as computers can now write news stories. A number of faculties including the Medill School of Journalism have already integrated the approach, with the assistance of companies such as Narrative Science which provide algorithm programs to facilitate the technology.
Currently, Narrative Science’s algorithmic bull pen has the capability of producing news stories which are based on topics of philosophical enquiries. This may range from reports of corporate earnings, to updates of sport contests or a blithe report of the presidential race drawn from facebook posts. A number of niche companies like Forbes, together with other Internet media conglomerates, have employed the services of Narrative Science to generate update articles in sectors such as small cup investments, fast food enterprise and sports too. Surprisingly, the news stories don’t read like they are computer written at all!
Kristian Hammond, CEO of Narrative Science, mentions that the above initiative, facilitated by the buzz of coders and engineers, is only the beginning of an era where the news domain will be characterized entirely by computer generated stories. He predicts that computer written stories will dominate 90 percent of the news domain in 15 years.
Chanwoo's Weekly Tech 