Weapon, wonder or both? Political framings of AI in global north and south media
Article / Journal
Author(s) / editor(s):
Bárbara Maria Farias Mota
Year: 2026
Language(s): English
Abstract:
This comparative study of 6,829 news articles (2010–2024) from 12 newspapers in Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia/Oceania shows how mainstream media politically frame AI as a governing and power‑shaping infrastructure. Using topic modelling and sentiment analysis, it identifies three phases of coverage (incipient, crisis‑driven politicisation, and exponential acceleration) and fifteen thematic frames, led by “Social Media and Tech Impact,” “Technology and the Digital Economy,” and “China–US Relations and Trade.” Media in the Global North are more pessimistic (41.7% negative headlines), while outlets in the Global South are more optimistic (51.5% positive headlines). The findings highlight how AI narratives are structured by geopolitical conflict, unequal technological power, and divergent risk perceptions, underscoring the need for fair, transparent, and ethical AI regulation.
https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2026.2691775
Post created by: Virginia Signorini