**Kuwait News Agency Poll Reveals 84% Support for AI Avatars in Media Organizations**
Media organizations globally are capitalizing on the applications of artificial intelligence (AI), with a particular focus on attractive content algorithms, metaverse spaces, and virtual anchors. Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) has notably joined the trend, launching its space on the Spatial metaverse platform and becoming the Middle East’s first news agency to do so. This move reflects KUNA’s efforts to embrace cutting-edge technology and enhance Kuwait’s global image.
The adoption of AI and virtual anchors, however, raises questions about their value and the potential loss of human interaction in media. The Arab region has seen the emergence of several virtual anchors such as Egypt’s “Anna,” Qatar’s “Noora” and “Ibtikar,” and Kuwait’s “Fedha,” reflecting the growing trend in the region.
Opinions on this development vary. Dr. Bashayer Al-Sanea of Kuwait University expressed openness towards virtual presenters, while Dr. Merhan Mohsen from Gulf University in Bahrain emphasized the importance of human interaction. Dua’ Al-Shami, a journalist with Qatar’s Al-Jazeera, voiced her opposition to virtual anchors due to their lack of emotion and understanding of societal nuances.
Despite the debate, an opinion poll by KUNA found that 84% of respondents believed that media organizations should use AI avatars, highlighting a significant acceptance of this new technology in the region.
https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=3097279&language=en