News reporter and anchor Araceli Gómez-Aldana spoke at Paly about the implications of artificial intelligence within journalism in a meeting hosted by Paly Cultural Connections Club during lunch on Monday.

Gómez-Aldana said she enjoyed speaking with other student journalists.

“The students asked a lot of good questions,” Gómez-Aldana said. “I’m really excited that there is a group of students interested in AI and the future of journalism.”

Junior and Cultural Connections Club Project Manager Jessica Bae said the talk broadened her outlook on the topic.

“I know AI has been a hot topic recently,” Bae said. “Having someone here, especially a journalist (from) a credible newsroom, really helped out my perspective.”

Sophomore Veronica Qiu, co-president of the club, said she was inspired to invite Gómez-Aldana after previously hearing her speak.

“She came into one of my classes, and I really enjoyed her talk about her journalism experience,” Qiu said. “I remember she dabbled a bit in AI, and I thought it would be relevant for the club, which is based on translating newsletters and publications.”

Gómez-Aldana said despite concerns over misinformation, AI usage is incredibly promising to journalists.

“We still have a long way to go to use AI in journalism ethically and create policies that are going to make sure there isn’t any lack of accuracy,” Gómez-Aldana said. “In the future, (AI) is going to be a tool that we use and it will be really beneficial.”

Qiu said she agreed and that AI has already been used within her publication.

“I can see AI becoming more and more relevant in high school journalism,” Qiu said. “It can be a great tool if used wisely.”