Wayne State students explore AI’s impact on journalism, public relations, and media careers

Chiara Clayton, director of communications for Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, discusses the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence with students in Wayne State University's Artificial Intelligence and Communication Work course.

DETROIT - Wayne State University students this spring and summer have an opportunity to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the communication professions through a new hybrid course taught by Dr. Rahul Mitra, director of graduate studies and associate professor of organizational communication.

"Artificial Intelligence and Communication Work" began this spring semester and examines how AI is changing industries including public relations, journalism, advertising, and media production, while also challenging students to think critically about ethics, authenticity and the future of communication work.

Mitra said the course was designed not simply to teach students how to use AI tools, but to help them better understand how those tools are transforming professional identities and workplace expectations.

The Wayne State course arrives at a time when the news media is grappling with how AI should be used ethically and responsibly. In May, journalists at several McClatchy newspapers, including the Miami Herald, withheld their bylines in protest over AI-generated versions of stories created from reporters' original work, underscoring growing debates about authenticity, credibility and transparency in media.

Dr. Rahul Mitra, associate professor in Wayne State's Department of Communication, speaks with a student during a visit to Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries. The visit was part of Mitra's Artificial Intelligence and Communication Work course.

"I think the communication industries are perhaps right now where we can really see a lot of impact, whether it's in terms of PR or writing, or even with the creative industries," Mitra said. "There are issues around ethics and work ethics, but also authenticity."

Rather than focusing solely on technical skills, Mitra said the course emphasizes critical thinking, contextual knowledge, and interpersonal communication.

Students will also hear directly from professionals working in communication, marketing and entrepreneurship who are already integrating AI into their daily work. Guest speakers are expected to include Nick Mattar, a Wayne State alumnus, an associate director of marketing at the Wayne State Graduate School, and founder and CEO of Marketing 1080, a digital marketing startup; and Nina Knauff, owner of a public relations agency.

In addition to classroom discussions, the course includes a service-learning component in partnership with Detroit-area nonprofit organization Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM). Students will use AI tools while working on communication-related projects for the organization and then reflect on the process and outcomes.

During a recent visit to DRMM, students heard from Chiara Clayton, the organization's director of communications, about how nonprofits are balancing the benefits and risks of AI. Clayton discussed topics ranging from AI-generated content and communication efficiency to ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated images and the importance of maintaining authentic organizational voices.

Clayton also encouraged students to think critically about the growing use of AI-generated images and content, noting that organizations must balance efficiency with authenticity and ethical responsibility. The discussion gave students a real-world look at how communication professionals are navigating AI in their daily work.

Wayne State journalism student Sascha Raiyn collaborates with classmates during a visit to DRMM. The students are developing communication projects for the nonprofit as part of Dr. Rahul Mitra's Artificial Intelligence and Communication Work course.

"I think the reflection part on what does this really mean for our work and the outcomes that it produces, I think that is something that this particular class is going to get at," Mitra said.

Mitra said one of the biggest misconceptions students often have about AI is believing the technology eliminates the need for thoughtful human work.

"I think students have this myth that it's easy, that you don't necessarily have to do a lot of work or thinking around it and it will just do the work for you," he said. "Professionals have realized that's not true at all."

The course also explores how communication itself plays a central role in effectively using AI systems.

"Prompt engineering, to me, is inherently communication," Mitra said. "Essentially you are communicating with the technology to make sure the technology does what you need it to do."

Beyond classroom instruction, Mitra hopes students leave the course thinking more deeply about how technology should serve people and communities.

"We don't want people to be cogs in the economic machine," he said. "We want people to be thoughtful, mindful, civically minded citizens who are able to make key decisions on technology and other issues around their world."

Fourth-year journalism student Sascha Raiyn, who also reports on education, children and families for WDET-FM, enrolled in the course to better understand both the promises and pitfalls of AI as it becomes increasingly integrated into communication professions.

"Most of what I hear about AI makes me anxious, and I wanted to be more educated about what to be fearful about and what might be the upsides of using AI," Raiyn said. "I feel like what I've learned so far is maybe a little bit scarier than I expected, and also, I have developed more interest in learning to use it well."

Raiyn said the course has reinforced the importance of understanding AI rather than avoiding it, particularly for future communication professionals who will increasingly encounter the technology in their careers.