International Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Communication

Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a powerful force reshaping the theory and practice of mass communication. This paper critically examines the expanding role of AI in journalism and media systems, focusing on its influence on content creation, audience engagement, newsroom automation, and information governance. It traces the evolution of AI technologies in mass communication—from early rule-based systems to contemporary machine learning and generative models and analyses how these developments redefine communication processes, professional norms, and media ethics. While AI-driven tools enhance efficiency, personalization, and creative possibilities, they also introduce significant risks related to misinformation, deepfakes, bias, privacy erosion, and declining public trust. The study further highlights ethical, legal, and regulatory challenges, emphasizing the complexity of governing technologies that operate across platforms, borders, and cultures. Issues of data governance, consent, algorithmic transparency, and accountability are examined as central concerns for democratic communication systems. By integrating global and cross-border perspectives, the paper underscores the need for interdisciplinary research, media literacy, and adaptive policy frameworks. It concludes that the future of mass communication under AI will depend on balancing technological innovation with ethical responsibility, journalistic integrity, and public interest, ensuring that AI supports rather than undermines informed public discourse.