A Look at the Risks and Threats of Artificial Intelligence, From Media Ecology

 Octavio Islas, Autonomous University of Carmen (Mexico)

 Fernando Gutiérrez-Cortés, Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico)

 Amaia Arribas-Urrutia, University of Valladolid (Spain)

https://doi.org/10.58262/V33279.1

Keywords

artificial intelligence, media ecology, intelligent agents, McLuhan, risks, technologies

Abstract

From a historical perspective and a prospective analysis, the article aims to understand the role of technologies and their impact on society through the postulates of media ecology. Through this meta-discipline, we delve into the rigorous review of different authors who see technologies as playing a prominent role in shaping the future because they not only influence the culture of societies, but also impact the course, advancement and meaning of history. The text focuses on the advantages and on the explanation of the risks of generative artificial intelligence, identifying eight critical scenarios: weaponization, disinformation, proxy games, weakening, blocking or withholding of value, unwanted emerging goals, deception and power-seeking behavior. Subsequently, CASI regroups them into four threats: malicious use, the AI race, organizational risks and uncontrolled AI. We end the by drawing on McLuhan’s reflections and stressing the need to scale back technologies when they have reached elevated levels of development to minimize their negative impact. Although artificial intelligence has not reached that state, there is a warning about the accelerated evolution and the need for AI literacy as a measure to face risks and threats, in a limited time before it is too late.

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The R+D+i research project “Innovation ecosystems in the communication industries: actors, technologies and configurations for the generation of innovation in content and communication. INNOVACOM”, funded by the State Research Agency.

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Technical information

Received: 30-09-2023

Revised: 23-06-2024

Accepted: 15-08-2024

OnlineFirst: 30-09-2024

Publication date: 01-10-2024

Article revision time: 267 days | Average time revision issue 79: 299 days

Article acceptance time: 320 days | Average time of acceptance issue 79: 350 days

Preprint editing time: 322 days | Average editing time preprint issue 79: 352 days

Article editing time: 367 days | Average editing time issue 79: 397 days

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