Purpose - This interview study examines Hungarian journalists' and copywriters' expectations
of generative AI's impact on their professions and factors influencing these views
during a period of hype. Design/methodology/approach - While acknowledging the specialized
knowledge of journalists and copywriters relative to the general public, the study
employs the sociology of expectations framework to interpret their anticipations not
as objective forecasts of the future, but rather as phenomena shaped by diverse influences.
The research comprises 30 semi-structured interviews conducted in spring 2023 to explore
these expectations and their contributing factors. Findings - Results reveal ChatGPT's
media coverage as pivotal, encouraging the professionals interviewed to experiment
with AI, reassess their roles, and cause a shift in their job expectations. At the
same time, this shift was limited. Skepticism about hyperbolic media formulations,
their own experiences with ChatGPT and projecting its constraints into the future,
contextual factors, and optimism bias contributed to moderating their expectations.
They perceived AI as an enhancer of efficiency and quality, not as a radical disruptor.
Copywriters were more open to integrating AI in their work, than journalists. Research
limitations/implications - The results underscore the importance of further research
to explore subjective experiences associated with technological change, particularly
considering their complex social, psychological, and cultural influences. Originality/value
- The study uniquely contributes to the sociology of expectations by highlighting
how a complex interplay of factors can shape professionals' anticipation of the impact
of AI on their careers, including optimism bias and media hype.
