Society in charge: the connection of artificial intelligence, responsibility, and ethics in German media discourse

Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in society, and applications like ChatGPT and Dall-E, which can produce texts and pictures on their own, are becoming very popular. This development raises questions regarding ethics, values, and responsibility, as AI-generated documents may promote misinformation and erode democracy, while human actors can scarcely be held accountable. AI technology may also support an efficient, rationalized society, which has its advantages and disadvantages. Two main spheres, which influence society’s perspective on the connection between AI, ethics and responsibility, are public media debates and the legal system. Popular newspapers reach broad audiences, so insight is provided into what perspectives on these issues are helping everyday citizens form their opinions. Legal frameworks potentially regulate citizens’ and companies’ dealing with AI technology—and may get included in media discussions on AI. Acknowledging that, this article presents a two-folded analysis. First, the article presents the results of a discourse analysis of 113 articles from German newspapers, ranging from the center-left to the conservative spectrum. The analysis examined how these media frame the connection of AI, ethics, values, and responsibility. The article discusses the discourse analysis together with theoretical assumptions around the question, which actors in society could be counted as accountable in AI regards. Second, a discussion of the European AI legal system is added, to evaluate its connection with the media discourses. The article presents the results of both parts of the analysis together and finally discusses further research perspectives.