Self-effects in AI-mediated communication

Abstract

The irruption of generative Artificial Intelligence, along with changes in content production and consumption models, sets the stage for the in-depth exploration of a specific field of media studies: self-effects. Defined as the cognitive, emotional, attitudinal or behavioral effects that messages have on the senders themselves (Valkenburg, 2017), this article aims to highlight the importance of studying such effects in AI-mediated communication (AI-MC) and content co-creation processes between AIs and humans with potential implications for digital wellbeing. First, the concept of Artificial Intelligence is narrowed down and its role in communication processes is discussed. Subsequently, the particularities of self-effects in AI-mediated communication are highlighted and the most important notions provided by current research on self-effects are stated for their application to AI-MC. Finally, the article discusses an important challenge presented by this field of study as well as some opportunities related to digital wellbeing and health in order to assess some potential social benefits of studying this type of effects.