• What it is: An AI-powered browser extension that connects news stories to concrete ways to help
• What it does: Analyzes breaking news and surfaces vetted opportunities to donate, volunteer, or advocate
• AI used for: Crisis and topic detection, classification of humanitarian needs and urgency, matching articles to relevant, verified organizations and actions
• Built as: Browser extension prototype
• Tools: ChatGPT / Claude / NotebookLM / Figma Make
• Why it matters: Transforms the helplessness of reading tragic news into meaningful action

Context

As AI becomes embedded in news production, distribution, and personalization, the challenge is no longer just misinformation, but how AI-mediated language shapes meaning, emotion, and belief. Many AI tools optimize for engagement or credibility scoring, yet few help readers understand how news narratives themselves are constructed.

Problem

Many news stories describe suffering at a scale that feels overwhelming. Readers are informed—but left powerless. The emotional distance between awareness and action often results in disengagement, compassion fatigue, or avoidance.

Existing charity platforms require readers to leave the moment of concern and search independently—breaking the emotional and cognitive thread that motivates action.

Insight

People are more likely to help when opportunities are timely, relevant, and trustworthy. The moment someone reads about a crisis is often the moment they care most—but it’s also the moment when friction matters most.

Prototype

I designed NewsAction, a lightweight extension that activates alongside news articles. As a reader encounters a crisis-related story, NewsAction:

• Detects the type and severity of the event
• Identifies vetted organizations and response efforts
• Surfaces clear options to donate, volunteer, advocate, or learn more
• Prioritizes transparency, verification, and reader choice

The experience is intentionally calm and respectful, designed to empower, not pressure.

Outcome & Implications

NewsAction positions AI as a civic enabler, helping readers move from passive consumption to informed participation. It explores how AI-powered media products can support empathy and agency without sensationalism.