Tanja Bosch

African media can resist one-dimensional hype and create a more inclusive and socially responsible conversation around AI. Getty Images

August 19, 2025

Hype and western values are shaping AI reporting in Africa: what needs to change

Sisanda Nkoala, University of the Western Cape; Musawenkosi Ndlovu, University of Cape Town; Tanja Bosch, University of Cape Town, and Trust Matsilele, Birmingham City University

AI coverage in African media has shown that local voices and experts are missing.

Students are not adopting digital and AI-powered tools uncritically. tzido/iStock

November 19, 2023

South African university students use AI to help them understand – not to avoid work

Tanja Bosch, University of Cape Town and Chikezie E. Uzuegbunam, Rhodes University

Students often use generative AI tools for engaged learning. They have a critical and nuanced understanding of these tools.

Daily Sun covered the pandemic through a social impact lens. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

March 3, 2023

Tabloid newspapers are seen as sensationalist ‑ but South Africa’s Daily Sun flipped that script during COVID‑19

Tanja Bosch, University of Cape Town and Herman Wasserman, Stellenbosch University

The newspaper confounded critics with its contextually relevant and informative stories.

Klaus Vedfelt/Shutterstock

March 30, 2022

The dating game: survey shows how and why South Africans use Tinder

Tanja Bosch, University of Cape Town

The study found most use Tinder casually because they’re bored, playing with the app like a kind of smartphone game - even though many use it to find true love.

Cecilie Arcurs/Getty Images

February 11, 2022

Radio is thriving in South Africa: 80% are tuning in

Tanja Bosch, University of Cape Town

Radio audiences have not declined despite an increase in streaming service options.

Sensationalist coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic spreads fear and is unhelpful. Getty Images

November 9, 2021

South African front‑page stories about COVID were sensationalist and unhelpful

Herman Wasserman, University of Cape Town; Chikezie E. Uzuegbunam, University of Cape Town; Tanja Bosch, University of Cape Town, and Wallace Chuma, University of Cape Town

The majority of front page reports were negative in tone, seeing very little possibility for individual agency and self-efficacy. This can amplify public anxiety and fear.

A typical community protest over the delivery of basic services in South Africa. A study shows protesters often resort to violence to attract attention. Reuters/Mike Hutchings

January 22, 2016

Voices of the poor are missing from South Africa’s media

Herman Wasserman, University of Cape Town; Tanja Bosch, University of Cape Town, and Wallace Chuma, University of Cape Town

The advent of democracy in South Africa in 1994 is often hailed as peaceful and smooth. But, there are lingering problems. Dissent over unmet expectations has resulted in an increase in protests.

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