When the news comes from a bot: How AI authorship and emotion shape cognitive, affective, and behavioral responses

Shuguang ZhaoResearch Center of Journalism and Social Development, School of Journalism and Communication, Renmin University of China, Jue ZhouNew Era International Communication Research Institute, Renmin University of China, Ting WangNew Era International Communication Research Institute, Renmin University of China

Journalism: Theory, Practice & Criticism

Published online on September 15, 2025

Abstract

Journalism, Ahead of Print.
AI-generated news is becoming increasingly prevalent on social media, raising questions about how audiences perceive, evaluate, and engage with this content. This study examines how AI authorship labeling (vs. human labeling) and content type (factual, ...