Generative artificial intelligence and social media may undermine efforts to tackle climate change, researchers say in a new forum paper published in the journal Global Environmental Politics.

UBC professor Dr. Hamish van der Ven and his colleagues argue that generative AI – including large language models such as chatGPT – and social media can distract from pressing global issues, promote feelings of hopelessness and reduce creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

The common perception is that AI, social media and other technological products and platforms are either neutral or potentially positive in terms of their impact on climate change action. (University of British Columbia, more at phys.org)