Tracing the evolution of AI: conceptualization of artificial intelligence in mass media discourse
Information Discovery and Delivery
ISSN: 2398-6247
Article publication date: 17 April 2020
Issue publication date: 13 August 2020
Abstract
Purpose
This study/paper aims to understand the public perceptions of AI through mass media discourse. In the past few years, significant progress has been made in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The benefits of AI are obvious, but there is still huge uncertainty and controversy over the public perception of AI. How does the mass media conceptualize AI?
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the authors analyze the evolution of AI covered by five major news media outlets in the past 30 years from 7 dimensions: scientific subject, keyword, country, institution, people, topic and opinion polarity.
Findings
First of all, different subjects are competing for and dividing up the right to speak of AI, leading to the gradual fragmentation of the concept of AI. Second, reporting on AI often includes reference to commercial institutions and scientists, showing a successful integration of science and business. Moreover, the result of topic modeling shows that news media mainly defines AI from three perspectives: an imagination, a commercial product and a field of scientific research. Finally, negative reports have focused on various issues relating to AI ethics.
Originality/value
The results can help bridge various conversations surrounding AI and promote richer discussions, increase the participation of scientists, businesses, governments and the public and provide more perspectives on the functions, prospects and pitfalls of AI.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by National Social Science Foundation of China (18CTQ027).
Citation
Zhai, Y., Yan, J., Zhang, H. and Lu, W. (2020), "Tracing the evolution of AI: conceptualization of artificial intelligence in mass media discourse", Information Discovery and Delivery, Vol. 48 No. 3, pp. 137-149. https://doi.org/10.1108/IDD-01-2020-0007
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited