CNET Utilizes AI to Create Financial Explainers in Nearly 75 Instances Since November

With the rapid advancement of AI chatbot systems like ChatGPT, VALL-E, and BlenderBot 3, the prospect of machines taking over writing jobs is becoming increasingly realistic. Notably, CNET has begun integrating "automation technology" to create financial explainer posts since November 2022, publishing under the byline of CNET Money Staff. However, readers only discover this automation after clicking the byline, where the site admits, "This article was generated using automation technology and thoroughly edited and fact-checked by an editor on our editorial staff."

On January 11, 2023, online marketer Gael Breton highlighted these AI-generated posts on Twitter. Since last November, CNET has published 73 pieces on topics like "Should You Break an Early CD for a Better Rate?" and "What is Zelle and How Does It Work?" Following the news of its program, CNET removed the CNET Money Staff bio page and revised several articles by eliminating "Staff."

While the use of text generators isn't widespread in journalism, some outlets, including the Associated Press and Washington Post, have utilized them for basic copywriting tasks. The Washington Post, for instance, has leveraged automated systems for covering high school football and the 2016 Rio Olympics. Typically, news organizations announce significant operational changes, but CNET has not made any public statements about its AI program beyond the dropdown explanation.

The quality of CNET's AI-generated content stands in stark contrast to that of the Associated Press. While the AP's system functions like a mail merge, inserting specific data into preformatted templates for repetitive stories, CNET's technology demonstrates a higher capability, producing comprehensive explainers on complex financial topics. We have reached out to CNET for comment and will update this content upon receiving a response.