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Mapping: What are algorithms doing in the scientific literature?

The portrayal of AI in the media is typically sensationalized, with less focus on the specific situations in which AI is applied.

One solution could be to bring researchers to the forefront in the media.

Anders Kristian Munk from DTU, Mathieu Jacomy, Mathilde Ficozzi, and Torben Elgaard Jensen from Aalborg University have investigated how experts contribute to knowledge about AI through scientific literature. They did this by mapping 1 million scientific abstracts on machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence using a semantic, visual network analysis.

They discovered that the discourse around algorithms in scientific literature is rarely framed as controversial or harmful, but rather as a tool for solving problems. They argue that while AI coverage would likely become less sensationalized if it were expert-based, it is unlikely that AI would be portrayed as controversial. Therefore, they suggest conceptualizing AI as a political situation rather than something inherently controversial.

Read the full publication here