The Washington Post Is Secretly Planning to Start Publishing Articles Created Using AI
Jun 04, 2025 - futurism.com
The _Washington Post_ has been developing an AI tool called "Ripple" to assist underqualified writers in publishing content. This initiative, which began in April, involves an "AI writing coach" named "Ember" that guides nonprofessional writers through the article-writing process. The tool provides instructions on creating a thesis, supporting points, and a memorable ending, while a live AI chatbot and a "story strength" tracker evaluate progress. Although a human editor is supposed to review the articles before publication, similar promises have previously resulted in issues, such as errors and plagiarism at _CNET_.
The _Washington Post_'s approach raises concerns about the potential for AI to exacerbate existing problems in newspaper opinion sections by prioritizing speed over quality. The _New York Times_, which reported on this development, has committed to not using generative AI for article writing, focusing instead on using AI for data analysis. The revelation comes amid a broader crisis at the _Washington Post_, with layoffs and increased influence from owner Jeff Bezos on the paper's content and ideology.
Key takeaways:
The Washington Post is developing an AI tool called "Ripple" to assist underqualified writers in publishing content.
The program includes an "AI writing coach" named "Ember" to guide nonprofessionals through the writing process.
There are concerns that the program may lead to low-quality content and amplify existing issues in newspaper opinion sections.
The New York Times is exploring AI in journalism but has pledged not to use generative AI for writing articles.
