Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming online conversations and promoting civil discourse, according to a study conducted by researchers at Brigham Young University (BYU) and Duke University. The joint paper, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that AI can be utilized to enhance the quality of conversations and foster respectful dialogue in online interactions.
In a unique experiment, the researchers developed a specialized online platform and paired participants with opposing viewpoints to discuss a highly polarizing topic: gun control. During the conversation, one user would periodically receive prompts from an AI tool suggesting ways to rephrase their message in a more polite or friendly manner, without altering its content. Participants had the freedom to adopt, modify, or dismiss these AI suggestions. After the chat, the participants took a survey to assess the conversation’s quality.
Over 1,500 individuals participated in the experiment, resulting in a total of 2,742 AI-generated rephrasings accepted by participants. The outcomes demonstrated a promising shift in the dynamics of online interactions. Partners engaging with individuals who implemented one or more AI rephrasing suggestions reported significantly higher conversation quality and an increased willingness to listen to the perspectives of their political opponents.
BYU computer science professor David Wingate, a co-author of the study, emphasized that the AI-assisted rephrasings did not alter the content of conversations or change participants’ viewpoints. The aim was to help people have productive and courteous conversations, rather than engaging in persuasive AI, which is considered ethically problematic.
The implications of this research are significant as it offers a scalable solution to combat the toxic online culture that has plagued the internet for years. Unlike traditional methods such as professional training sessions led by expert moderators, which have limitations in scope and availability, AI intervention can be broadly implemented across various digital channels.
By effectively harnessing the power of AI, online platforms could be transformed into constructive forums where people from diverse backgrounds and opinions can come together to discuss current issues with empathy and respect. Ultimately, this research shows that AI technology, when thoughtfully integrated, can play a pivotal role in shaping a more positive online landscape.
The study’s findings not only provide insights into how AI can improve online conversations, but also highlight the transformative potential of AI in fostering constructive dialogue and promoting civil discourse. This research opens up new possibilities for combating online harassment, insults, and threats, creating a more inclusive and respectful online sphere. As AI continues to advance, its responsible implementation could lead to a significant positive impact on the way people interact and communicate in digital spaces.
Note: This article draws on information from the provided news link.
