Social Media in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Ethical Challenges

Abstract

Using a mixed-method approach that combines survey data from 619 participants and insights from a focus group consisting of 25 persons, this study investigates the perceptions of users regarding the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) in social media platforms within the country of Kuwait. According to the findings, users have a moderate level of awareness regarding artificial intelligence technologies and a widespread recognition of the benefits these technologies offer in terms of expanding content personalization, improving user experience, and increasing platform efficiency. Participants have expressed significant worries over privacy, surveillance, misinformation, algorithmic transparency, and ethical hazards, despite the fact that these advantages have been acknowledged. Differences between the sexes were seen, with female participants exhibiting a greater understanding of the ethical concerns of artificial intelligence. In addition, quantitative studies indicate that users have a significant propensity to engage with artificial intelligence tools in the future, despite the fact that their actual experience with AI is yet limited. Despite the fact that users like the usefulness of AI, the study comes to the conclusion that issues over data security and transparency need to be addressed in order to create trust. It is suggested that legislators, platform designers, and educators should follow these recommendations in order to facilitate the integration of AI in a manner that is responsible and user-centered.