From experimentation to integration: Mapping AI use across European media and communication professionals

Abstract

This study, one of the first cross-national and cross-professional approaches, maps Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption and perceptions through a survey of 797 professionals in eight countries (Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, Norway, and Denmark) spanning six fields including journalism, marketing, audiovisual, public relations, graphic design, and communication education. Experimentation is widespread (88%), yet workflow integration remains uneven. Adoption is strongest among younger professionals, and sectoral differences are detected: marketing reports higher adoption, whereas journalists and educators report the lowest usage. ChatGPT dominates (77%), followed by Canva (38%), and DALL·E and MidJourney (27%). Frequency of use and self-assessed preparedness lag behind positive attitudes. National patterns also diverge, reflecting cultural, regulatory, and market factors.