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On Tue, 26 Nov, 12:02 AM UTC
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[1]
What you need to know about the dark side of AI marketing
Marketers use AI-powered algorithms to scour vast amounts of data that reveals individual preferences with unrivaled accuracy. This allows companies to precisely target content -- ads, emails, social media posts -- that feels tailor-made and helps cultivate companies' relationships with consumers. As a researcher who studies technology in marketing, I joined several colleagues in conducting new research that shows AI marketing overwhelmingly neglects its potential negative consequences. Our peer-reviewed study reviewed 290 articles that had been published over the past 10 years from 15 high-ranking marketing journals. We found that only 33 of them addressed the potential "dark side" of AI marketing.
[2]
AI has been a boon for marketing, but the dark side of using algorithms to sell products and brands is little studied
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way companies market their products, enabling them to target consumers in personalized and interactive ways that not long ago seemed like the realm of science fiction. Marketers use AI-powered algorithms to scour vast amounts of data that reveals individual preferences with unrivaled accuracy. This allows companies to precisely target content -- ads, emails, social media posts -- that feels tailor-made and helps cultivate companies' relationships with consumers. As a researcher who studies technology in marketing, I joined several colleagues in conducting new research that shows AI marketing overwhelmingly neglects its potential negative consequences. Our peer-reviewed study reviewed 290 articles that had been published over the past 10 years from 15 high-ranking marketing journals. We found that only 33 of them addressed the potential "dark side" of AI marketing. This matters because the imbalance creates a critical gap in understanding the full impact of AI. These concerns loom large, prompting anxiety about the potential misuse of this powerful technology. Many people experience these worries, but young women are notably vulnerable. As AI apps gain acceptance, beauty standards are moving further from reality. Our research finds there is an urgent need to address AI's ethical considerations and potential negative consequences. Our intent is not to discredit AI. It's to make sure that AI marketing benefits everyone, not just a handful of powerful companies. I believe researchers should consider exploring the ethical problems with AI more thoroughly, and how to use it safely and responsibly. This is important because AI is suddenly being used everywhere -- from social media to self-driving cars to making health decisions. Understanding its potential negative effects empowers the public to be informed consumers and call for responsible AI use.
[3]
AI has been a boon for marketing, but the dark side of using algorithms to sell products and brands is little studied
University of Rhode Island provides funding as a member of The Conversation US. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way companies market their products, enabling them to target consumers in personalized and interactive ways that not long ago seemed like the realm of science fiction. Marketers use AI-powered algorithms to scour vast amounts of data that reveals individual preferences with unrivaled accuracy. This allows companies to precisely target content - ads, emails, social media posts - that feels tailor-made and helps cultivate companies' relationships with consumers. As a researcher who studies technology in marketing, I joined several colleagues in conducting new research that shows AI marketing overwhelmingly neglects its potential negative consequences. Our peer-reviewed study reviewed 290 articles that had been published over the past 10 years from 15 high-ranking marketing journals. We found that only 33 of them addressed the potential "dark side" of AI marketing. This matters because the imbalance creates a critical gap in understanding the full impact of AI. AI marketing can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, such as producing hypersexualized depictions of women, for example. AI can also infringe on the individual rights of artists. And it can spread misinformation through deepfakes and "hallucinations," which occur when AI presents false information as if it were true, such as inventing historical events. It can also negatively affect mental health. The prevalence of AI-powered beauty filters on social media, for instance, can foster unrealistic ideals and trigger depression. These concerns loom large, prompting anxiety about the potential misuse of this powerful technology. Many people experience these worries, but young women are notably vulnerable. As AI apps gain acceptance, beauty standards are moving further from reality. Our research finds there is an urgent need to address AI's ethical considerations and potential negative consequences. Our intent is not to discredit AI. It's to make sure that AI marketing benefits everyone, not just a handful of powerful companies. I believe researchers should consider exploring the ethical problems with AI more thoroughly, and how to use it safely and responsibly. This is important because AI is suddenly being used everywhere - from social media to self-driving cars to making health decisions. Understanding its potential negative effects empowers the public to be informed consumers and call for responsible AI use.
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A new study reveals that the potential negative consequences of AI in marketing are largely overlooked in academic research, raising concerns about ethical implications and societal impact.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has ushered in a new era of marketing, enabling companies to target consumers with unprecedented precision and personalization. AI-powered algorithms analyze vast amounts of data to reveal individual preferences, allowing marketers to craft tailor-made content that resonates with consumers on a personal level 123.
However, a recent peer-reviewed study has uncovered a concerning trend in the academic research surrounding AI marketing. The study, conducted by researchers who specialize in technology and marketing, reviewed 290 articles published over the past decade in 15 high-ranking marketing journals. Alarmingly, only 33 of these articles addressed the potential negative consequences or "dark side" of AI marketing 123.
The research highlights several critical areas where AI marketing can have detrimental effects:
Perpetuation of harmful stereotypes: AI-generated content may reinforce negative stereotypes, such as hypersexualized depictions of women 3.
Infringement on artists' rights: The use of AI in content creation raises questions about intellectual property and the rights of human artists 3.
Spread of misinformation: AI can contribute to the dissemination of false information through deepfakes and "hallucinations," where AI presents fabricated information as fact 3.
Mental health impacts: The prevalence of AI-powered beauty filters on social media can foster unrealistic ideals and trigger depression, particularly among young women 23.
The study's findings underscore a critical gap in understanding the full impact of AI in marketing. This imbalance in research focus creates a potential blind spot, where the benefits of AI are extensively explored while its drawbacks remain largely unexamined 123.
The researchers emphasize that their intent is not to discredit AI but to ensure that its benefits are distributed equitably and that potential negative consequences are thoroughly addressed. They call for a more comprehensive exploration of AI's ethical implications and the development of guidelines for its safe and responsible use in marketing 23.
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into various aspects of daily life, from social media to healthcare decision-making, understanding its potential negative effects is crucial. This knowledge empowers consumers to make informed choices and advocate for responsible AI use 23.
The study serves as a wake-up call for both the marketing industry and academic researchers to prioritize the ethical considerations of AI implementation. By addressing these concerns proactively, stakeholders can work towards harnessing the power of AI in marketing while mitigating its potential harm to individuals and society at large.
Reference
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