Introduction: The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed digital media content creation, particularly with the rise of AI-Generated Content (AIGC). This systematic review investigates AIGC's role in enhancing content production efficiency, improving content quality, and addressing ethical considerations. AIGC applications—spanning micro-video production, digital storytelling, journalism, and new media art—highlight its profound impact on content workflows, distribution, and audience engagement. Objective: The objective of this study is to explore how AIGC influences the efficiency, quality, and ethical standards of digital media content creation, with the aim of fostering responsible and sustainable integration of AIGC in the media industry. Theoretical Framework: This research is grounded in theories of human-machine interaction, ethical decision-making, and technological adoption models, which provide a solid foundation for examining the dynamics of AIGC in the context of Web 3.0 advancements. Method: The methodology employed for this review involved a systematic analysis of scholarly articles, case studies, and industry reports on AIGC. The data were synthesized to evaluate its transformative potential, ethical challenges, and alignment with sustainable development goals (SDGs). Results and Discussion: The findings reveal that AIGC significantly enhances efficiency and scalability in content production while raising ethical concerns such as professional displacement and algorithmic biases. These results are contextualized within the theoretical framework, emphasizing the need for ethical safeguards and inclusive practices. Challenges, including transparency in AI use and equitable access to AIGC technologies, are also discussed. Research Implications: This study offers both theoretical and practical implications by proposing strategies for responsible AIGC adoption, contributing to the sustainable development of the digital media industry. Implications include its potential to democratize content creation, foster inclusivity, and support SDGs such as Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9). Originality/Value: This study provides a novel contribution to the literature by integrating SDG-oriented perspectives into the discussion of AIGC's impact. Its findings underline the critical balance between leveraging technological advancements and mitigating their societal and ethical challenges.
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