Universe Today Podcast [Bonus] The Challenge/Promise of AI & Science Communication 🧠📢
Jun 15, 2025
Salman Hameed, a professor of Integrated Science & Humanities and CEO of Kainaat Studios, dives into the interplay of AI, journalism, and astronomy. He discusses innovative ways to make scientific content accessible and emphasizes the importance of audience engagement over mere numbers. The conversation touches on the ethical dilemmas posed by AI in journalism and the potential benefits of personalized learning tools. Hameed advocates for accuracy and authenticity in science communication, urging creators to pursue their genuine interests to foster connection.
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Episode notes
Small Audiences Matter
- Fraser Cain shares advice he gave to Salman Hameed about starting a YouTube channel with a small audience.
- He reframes having 5,000 subscribers as "already made it," encouraging persistence despite modest beginnings.
AI Disrupts Web Traffic and Ads
- Advertising revenue dropped about 90% over three years due to AI-driven search and content distribution changes.
- AI summaries reduce direct website traffic, undermining traditional ad-funded journalism models.
AI Is a Bad Writer Now
- AI is a powerful tool but produces poor-quality, hallucinated writing often used to flood the internet with low-value content.
- The main problem is the misuse of AI, not the technology itself.