AI 325—AI & The Information Environment

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is developed and used in a rich information environment, that has been rapidly evolving in the last millennium. Today, more than ever before, we live in an all-around, 24/7, media-saturated world, and recent innovations in AI will potentially change our interaction with information in fundamental ways. In this course, we will consider AI as medium used for communication. To do so, we will situate AI in within the broader narrative or mass communication, and as a continuation of prior innovations, including writing, printing, radio, TV, websites, mobile phones, and video games. We will learn about (1) the history, (2) audience, (3) production, and (4) effects of mass communication in general, and AI in particular. A special emphasis will be put throughout the course on applying theories of and perspectives on mass communication and AI to real-world media, social problems, and examples. Looking towards the past, present, and the future, we will try to understand the role of mass media in general, and AI in particular, in the lives of individuals, groups, and society at large, considering how AI technology may threaten social stability but also makes us stronger.