From Tools to Teammates: Reimaging Moral Agency and Human-Robot Partnerships in Journalism Practice

Abstract

Advances in robot design are reshaping human-dominated fields such as journalism. The integration of autonomous, adaptive systems into society increasingly blurs the boundaries between humans and machines. In this evolving landscape, journalism, rooted in human judgment and ethics, now faces unique challenges and opportunities. China, a global leader in robotic innovations, has emerged as a pioneer in robot journalism, further underscoring the importance of understanding human–robot dynamics. Amid these developments, the concept of Artificial Moral Agents has intensified debates about whether machines can possess moral agency, and how they might coexist with humans as collaborators. Central questions arise: How do humans perceive entities that resemble humans but are not alive? Can such artificial beings be ascribed moral agency and integrated into professional domains as colleagues? This study collected data through semi-structured interviews with 15 Chinese students of journalism aspiring to join the profession with an interest in the intersection between technology and journalism. Analysis of their insights yielded six themes: 1. anthropomorphic appearance; 2. human-like cognitive and emotional abilities; 3. the decision-making capacity of robot journalists; 4. robot journalists as incompetent moral agents; 5. erosion of news authenticity and diversity; and 6. whether the future of human–robot collaboration is as partners or rivals. This research highlights the need for philosophers and ethicists to revisit the definition of ‘moral agency’ and to develop frameworks to address the ambiguous moral status of artificial agents. By bridging theoretical discourse with empirical insights, this study contributes to ongoing conversations about the integration of artificial entities into journalism and society.