The May 18 edition of the Chicago Sun-Times includes a comprehensive guide to summer activities encompassing trends, outdoor pursuits, and recommended reading materials. However, the publication has come under scrutiny for featuring AI-generated book recommendations and citing individuals who may not exist.
While legitimate titles such as Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman are included, the reading list also highlights fictitious books purportedly by real authors. For instance, Min Jin Lee, an acclaimed writer, is inaccurately associated with a book titled “Nightshade Market,” described as a thrilling exploration of Seoul’s underground economy. Similarly, Rebecca Makkai, who is based in Chicago, is linked to a non-existent book called “Boiling Point,” which the guide claims involves a climate scientist and her daughter.
In a statement on Bluesky, the Sun-Times announced it was investigating how this issue occurred, clarifying that the content was not editorial and was not published under the newsroom’s purview. Victor Lim, the senior director of audience development, expressed to Technology News that the presence of inaccurate information in their materials is unacceptable, promising further updates will be forthcoming.
It remains uncertain whether the content was sponsored, as the section’s cover page prominently features the Sun-Times logo and is labeled simply as “Your guide to the best of summer.” In a statement on their website, the Sun-Times indicated the section was “licensed from a national content partner,” which 404 Media identified as the media conglomerate Hearst. The newspaper has since declared it will remove the section from its online editions while revising its standards for third-party content to ensure accuracy and transparency.
The list is presented without a byline, although writer Marco Buscaglia is credited for other contributions within the summer guide. His byline appears on a piece discussing hammock culture in the United States, which cites several purported experts and sources that cannot be verified. The article references a 2023 piece in Outside magazine by Brianna Madia, a real author, which could not be located. Additionally, it mentions an analysis from Eagles Nest Outfitters, which also does not appear to exist. Among the quoted individuals is “Dr. Jennifer Campos,” a supposed professor at the University of Colorado, whose existence could not be confirmed. Buscaglia did not respond to requests for comment but acknowledged to 404 Media that he sometimes uses AI for background material, asserting he usually verifies the findings.
“I didn’t check this time, and I can’t believe I overlooked it since it’s so glaringly obvious. I take full responsibility and feel completely embarrassed,” he stated to 404.
Another article, labeled “Summer food trends,” features similarly dubious experts, including “Dr. Catherine Furst,” claimed to be a food anthropologist at Cornell University. Additionally, a quote attributed to television personality Padma Lakshmi appears questionable as well.
The use of AI-generated content has raised alarms in the journalism community, especially following notable incidents at Gannett and Sports Illustrated, where similar issues arose from third-party creators. News organizations often claim they had no involvement in the creation of this content, yet the co-mingling of AI-generated articles with authentic journalism can undermine reader trust.
Update May 20th: Additional details regarding the Sun-Times’ response to public concerns have been appended.
