In 2024, the AP Stylebook introduces several important changes and updates, focusing on clarity and inclusivity across a range of topics when writing news, press releases or PIO content:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): The guidelines now recommend avoiding language that attributes human characteristics to AI systems and advise against using gendered pronouns when referring to AI tools. Mention of potential biases in AI tools is also encouraged, with “AI” being acceptable for use in headlines and subsequent references. (See also: HMA PR)
- Climate Change and Global Warming: The Stylebook clarifies the use of “global warming” specifically for the rise in Earth’s average temperature, distinguishing it from “climate change,” which refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. It advises specificity when discussing individuals’ or groups’ beliefs on these topics, moving away from terms like “climate change deniers”. (See also: American Copy Editors Society)
- Philanthropy: A new entry differentiates between nonprofit, for-profit, and not-for-profit organizations, focusing on their missions rather than tax designations. This change aims to provide more accurate descriptors for organizations based on their stated missions.
- Gender, Sex, and Sexual Orientation: The term “LGBTQ+” is now acceptable in all references. It emphasizes using “LGBTQ+” as a collective adjective and provides guidelines for respectfully referring to transgender individuals, including avoiding the term “birth gender” in favor of “sex assigned at birth.” It also advises against using a person’s previous name or pre-transition images unless necessary for understanding the news or upon the individual’s request.
- Usage of Terms: The updates advise against using slang terms like “woke” outside of direct quotations, recommend specificity over using “anti-vaxxer,” and suggest describing incidents with more detail rather than using the term “incident” vaguely. It also replaces “Hawaiians” with “Hawaii residents” and addresses the rebranding of social media platforms, specifying the use of “X, formerly known as Twitter,” on first reference, while retaining “tweet” as both a noun and a verb.
Additionally, the Stylebook continues to update guidelines around elections, holidays, and earnings terminology, providing specific rules for abbreviation, capitalization, and terminology. These updates reflect the AP’s ongoing effort to adapt its style guidance to current events and societal changes, ensuring accurate and respectful journalism.