Abstract

AI has a larger role to play in influencing the way information is distributed today, especially among youth in this digital age. Expanding this line of research, examining the impact AI-informed data on knowledge sharing as part of a youth reading culture can help to determine how algorithm-mediated publishing practices shape both content consumption and the enculturation into an information ecosystem. This is in line with a growing fear that the use of AI algorithms to personalize content recommendations could increasingly filter what we read and create knowledge silos. In order to investigate this issue, a quantitative research design was used and the data were collected through a survey questionnaire from 140 respondents within the age range of 18-25. As such, the survey was designed to capture information of reading practices as well as types of content consumed and how AI-curated recommendations affected knowledge acquisition. Using responses as data points, this study investigates whether AI algorithms promote more heterogeneous knowledge or amplify current preferences and reduce the exposure to new diverse perspectives. The study’s results are expected to shed light on the relationships between AI-fed data and youth reading cultures, by examining misinformation in particular as an example of the possible boons and banes behind algorithmic content curation. The researchers hope that the results will inform educators, policymakers and tech developers on AI interventions in either encouraging or destroying knowledge diversity and cultural reading literacy among a younger audience.

Authors

Kshamata Sachin Lad, Rakshada Ulhas Rane, Pracheta Jaidev Supal, Shreya Rashmin Udeshi
S K Somaiya College of Arts, Science and Commerce, India

Keywords

AI-Fed Data, Knowledge Inclusion, CONTENT Curation, Reading Habits, Cultural Literacy