Social Perception of Artificial Intelligence and Digitization of Cultural Heritage: Russian Context

Tatiana Leshkevich,Anna Motozhanets

doi:10.3390/app12052712

Abstract

The article considers the social perception of artificial intelligence (AI) as an essential factor having an impact on the digitization, transfer, and popularization of cultural heritage. The article aims at the theoretical comprehension of the digital ontology and implementation of AI in the context of Russian realia. The research relies on comprehensive analysis based on statistical data, using descriptive and comparative methods. The interdisciplinary approach adopted includes reflexive analysis of both positive and negative consequences of the digitalization process. The article examines the peculiarities of the “digital ontology”, deterritorization effect, new actors in the digital process, the effect of digital trust, and opposite views of AI-enthusiasts and AI-alarmists. The article describes objective and subjective reasons for the negative perception of digital artifacts, and states the need to consider the influence of key figures in digital ontology: influencers, stakeholders, and data scientists. The ambivalence of public perception of both artificial intelligence and digital cultural heritage is stated. The research reveals digitization frontiers, which involve three factors: the axiological factor, indicating the need for consistency between a human values system and AI development programs; the subject vector, emphasizing the role of a new type of digital heritage bearers and digital influence actors; ethical factor associated with the need to transform relations with information technologies in order to subordinate them to human reflection and comprehension. The authors conclude that cultural heritage digitization should be aimed at generating a human-centered future.

Highlights

Social perception of artificial intelligence (AI) is an essential factor defining the use of AI applications for digitizing and popularizing cultural heritage
It should be emphasized here that digital heritage is characterized by the absence of material form, in other words, it exists in virtual space
The social perception of AI, which is involved in the process of digitizing cultural heritage, is greatly influenced by the degree of consistency between the value system and the way it is reflected in AI programs

Summary

Introduction

1. Introduction Social perception of artificial intelligence (AI) is an essential factor defining the use of AI applications for digitizing and popularizing cultural heritage. Since the Internet and digital technologies are seen as a transactive memory resource [11], the process of cultural heritage digitization with its memorization effect becomes relevant for the further development of humankind.

Results

Conclusion