By Veronica Mrema – Dar es Salaam
Every day, new digital tools, platforms, and technologies emerge with the power to create and distribute content rapidly and with increasing ease.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one such technology that continues to evolve and spread globally at a remarkable pace.
In many ways, the world is now at the height of a digital revolution, with AI driving new changes and transformations every single day.
In recent years, AI has significantly accelerated developments across various sectors, including communication, enabling easier and faster access to information through social media.
Within this context, Tanzania’s upcoming General Elections, scheduled for October 2025, will be historic.
Not only because of the expected political competition but also because this will be the first general election taking place in an era where AI has made major inroads globally.
For a nation like Tanzania in the East African region, this is a critical moment that calls for increased attention, particularly regarding the dissemination of information.
Journalism in the age of AI demands high-level professionalism, strict adherence to ethics, and deep analysis of information before it is reported.
The 2025 elections will be a major test of how journalists utilize technology in ways that benefit the nation, rather than becoming a source of conflict.
This technology allows information to spread in just seconds, which is why extra caution is necessary especially among journalists, media houses, and even voters.
AI can be extremely beneficial when used responsibly, but without proper oversight, it can also cause harm including the spread of misinformation, propaganda, and incitement.
This reality calls for responsible journalism guided by professionalism, ethical standards, thorough research, and the protection of human dignity.
Silvia Daulinge, Acting Executive Director of the Tanzania Media Women’s Association (TAMWA), emphasizes that every journalist must exercise caution during this period.
“It’s very important for journalists to be extra cautious in their use of AI to ensure their own safety and preserve peace during the General Elections,” she says.
In partnership with Germany’s GIZ, TAMWA recently conducted a two-day training for journalists from various media outlets across the country.
The main goal was to empower journalists with a broader understanding of AI usage and how to protect themselves from problematic content, especially as the election season approaches.
Several journalists who participated in the specialized training shared their key takeaways in light of the upcoming 2025 General Elections.
“We were urged to be more vigilant during this period of AI integration, particularly before sharing any information we come across online,” says journalist Timothy Marko.
He adds, “The AI and Elections topic was particularly eye-opening, as this is a fast-growing area that directly affects our work as journalists."
“AI is expanding rapidly, so it is crucial for us as journalists to critically analyze news content before distributing it,” he stresses.
Daulinge further emphasizes that journalists must conduct thorough analysis of information before reporting or sharing it.
According to Daulinge, research shows that misleading information has been a source of political unrest in several parts of the world.
“Therefore, it is essential that journalists in Tanzania uphold their professional ethics and avoid reporting content that fuels division within society,” she says.
Aurelia Semtoe from Mwananchi newspaper notes that the training helped her better understand her personal responsibility as a journalist.
“Especially the need to avoid spreading or participating in the circulation of content that incites hatred against individuals or groups.
“I now have enhanced skills in identifying and avoiding hate speech online,” Aurelia adds.
Avila Kakingo of Michuzi Blog also reflected on the experience, saying she learned the importance of avoiding language or content that distorts the truth, as such narratives can negatively impact society and provoke divisions.
Njoki Karuki, Head of Peace Programming at Defyhatenow – Global Action for Peace Building, explains that journalists should avoid content that degrades human dignity or promotes hatred and division.
“It’s crucial to deeply analyze news sources who said it, when, where, and why,” Njoki advises.
She insists that instead of spreading provocative content, journalists should focus on listening to candidates’ policies and report with integrity.
“Let’s not echo unverified online rhetoric. Let’s promote messages of unity, not hate or division,” she urges.
She also warns, “Even the kind of comment you make online matters, because it can cause real harm.”
Winfrida Nyagawa, another journalist, said the training was highly valuable and gave them the opportunity to broaden their knowledge.
“We were reminded to ask ourselves several key questions before reporting or sharing any piece of information for example: Who is speaking? Where are they? Who is their audience?
“What was their emotional or psychological state when speaking? This helps us avoid spreading misinformation and malinformation,” she explains.
Florence Majani from TAMWA highlights that in this digital age, women are among the most affected by online abuse.
“Even within communities, women face many misconceptions. In some places, they are prohibited from eating certain foods.
“Women entering politics also face serious challenges, especially online, where we’ve seen cases of digital abuse,” she says.
She points out that some female politicians have completely withdrawn from social media to avoid abuse.
“In this AI era, you might come across fabricated stories targeting specific candidates. We must be vigilant.”
Raymond Nyamwihula from Azam Media emphasizes that the training served as a reminder of the core mission of journalism: seeking the truth.
“When reporting on any issue, it’s crucial to verify it so that what we share with the public is accurate,” Raymond says.
Kijoli Chikopa from Wapo Media adds, “Journalists must demonstrate professionalism and adhere to journalistic ethics.
“Let’s avoid spreading misinformation. This training reminded us to stick to our ethical duties as journalists to ensure we don’t become sources of societal conflict.”
Chapisha Maoni