Algorithms and communication: A systematized literature review

García-Orosa, Berta, Canavilhas, João and Vázquez-Herrero, Jorge Algorithms and communication: A systematized literature review. Comunicar, 2023, vol. 31, n. 74, pp. 9-21. [Journal article (Paginated)]

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English abstract

The influence of algorithms on society is increasing due to their growing presence in all areas of daily life. Although we are not always aware of it, they sometimes usurp the identity of other social actors. The main purpose of this article is to address the meta-research on the field of artificial intelligence and communication from a holistic perspective that allows us to analyze the state of academic research, as well as the possible effects on these areas and on the democratic system. To this end, we carried out a systematized review of recent literature using quantitative and qualitative approaches. The subject analyzed is changing and novel: it includes the impact and interaction of algorithms, bots, automated processes, and artificial intelligence mechanisms in journalism and communication, as well as their effects on democracy. The results show expanding scientific production, mostly in English, based on theoretical discussion or focused on the perception of communication professionals. The object of study is centered mostly on journalism and democracy, and to a lesser degree on ethics or education. Studies indicate great interest in the effects of the use of algorithms on journalism and democracy, but the answers are still uncertain and the challenges for the coming years are significant.

Spanish abstract

La influencia de los algoritmos en la sociedad es cada vez mayor a través de una presencia creciente en todos los ámbitos de la vida diaria, sin que seamos conscientes de ello y, en ocasiones, usurpando la identidad de otros actores sociales. El artículo tiene como propósito principal abordar la metainvestigación sobre el campo de la inteligencia artificial y la comunicación, desde una perspectiva holística que permita analizar el estado de la investigación académica, así como los posibles efectos en estas dos áreas y en la convivencia en un sistema democrático. Para ello se lleva a cabo una revisión sistematizada de la literatura reciente desde enfoques cuantitativos y cualitativos. La temática analizada es cambiante y novedosa; incluye el impacto y la interacción de algoritmos, bots, procesos automatizados y mecanismos de inteligencia artificial en el periodismo y la comunicación, así como su efecto en la democracia. Los resultados dibujan una producción científica en expansión, mayoritariamente en inglés, basada en la discusión teórica o centrada en la percepción de los profesionales de la comunicación. El objeto de estudio mayoritario se sitúa en el periodismo y en la democracia, con menor implicación de la ética o la educación. Los estudios señalan un gran interés sobre los efectos del uso de algoritmos sobre el periodismo y la democracia, pero las respuestas son todavía inciertas y los retos para los próximos años importantes.

Item type: Journal article (Paginated)
Keywords: Artificial intelligence; communication; journalism; democracy; public opinion; review; Inteligencia artificial; comunicación; periodismo; democracia; opinión pública; revisión
Subjects: B. Information use and sociology of information > BJ. Communication
G. Industry, profession and education.
G. Industry, profession and education. > GH. Education.
Depositing user: Alex Ruiz
Date deposited: 09 Jan 2023 06:38
Last modified: 09 Jan 2023 06:38
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10760/43876

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