Critiquing Generative AI in Africa’s Media Ecosystems (Routledge African Media, Culture and Communication Studies)

This book takes a critical approach to the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the media and communication landscape.

The book argues that as technology is a social construct reflecting existing power dynamics, those in the Global South, and in Africa in particular, are bound to be marginalised and have their knowledge, systems overlooked as the Global North dominates technological developments. The birth of AI has ignited debates about its benefits to lower income countries, with some highlighting its potential to advance businesses and grow economies. However, this book argues that AI tools have been produced to serve Western needs, and that instead there is a need for countries in Africa to have home grown solutions defined by local values. Drawing on case studies and analysis from across the continent, the book seeks to caution, challenge, and proffer solutions to the use and understanding of Generative AI for media and communication in non-western societies.

At a time when generative AI is threatening to shape the future of media and communication around the world, this book is a vital and timely contribution to debates within critical data studies and African media studies.

Lungile A. Tshuma is researcher in the Centre for Communication and Culture, Universidade Católica Portuguesa. Tshuma is also Senior Research Associate in the department of Communication and Media, University of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Trust Matsilele is Senior Lecturer of Journalism at Birmingham City University, UK, and a Research Fellow in the Communication Department at the University of South Africa.