Burgerhof, Bram L. (2024) Hype, hope, or horror: Institutionalisation processes and discourse surrounding generative AI. Research Master thesis, Research Master.
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Abstract
In November 2022, OpenAI released ChatGPT, a type of generative AI (GenAI) model, thereby allowing a large audience to easily access and engage with a potent broadly applicable technology. As the hype around GenAI grew, OpenAI’s competitors and partners were quick to release their own models, introducing a ‘AI race’ dynamic. Combined with the unique nature and rapid development of GenAI, this results in a disruptive challenge to society, which demands a quick regulatory response to prevent a loss of control. Examining these developments from the perspective of theories of institutional work – the purposive action undertaken to create, maintain, or disrupt institutions – this thesis argues that a new institutional field may be developing surrounding GenAI and the associated regulatory challenge. The activity of involved actors is studied and coded in a qualitative textual analysis on the basis of The New York Times’ articles, and deploys the theoretical framework of institutional work (Lawrence & Suddaby, 2006). The analysis suggests that various actors within the sectors of business, government, and civil society are deploying institutional work to influence institutionalisation processes, according to their interests. Institutional change in the field is driven forth mostly by business actors, while government actors seek to impose regulatory control by bringing together stakeholders, setting boundaries, and guiding development. Civil society actors appear to mostly function as a correcting force, maintaining or creating institutions that safeguard their interests, while selectively supporting or disrupting arising institutions. Finally, the findings, limitations, and avenues for further research are discussed.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Research Master) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Wittek, R.P.M. and Been, W.M. |
| Degree programme: | Research Master |
| Differentiation route: | Sociology [Research Master] |
| Date Deposited: | 26 Jul 2024 13:09 |
| Last Modified: | 26 Jul 2024 13:09 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4166 |
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