The responsible media representation of artificial intelligence for non-human animal communication

Caatje Kluskens

Keywords: media studies, AI for nonhuman animal communication, media representation, media ethics, animal studies

Abstract: The body of research on the ethical, legal, and social implications of artificial intelligence for non-human animal communication is growing. However, one area that has not yet been explored is how the outcomes of these technologies should be responsibly represented in the media and how such portrayals influence public awareness, support for conservation efforts, and anthropocentric assumptions about intelligence. This project will examine risks such as speciesism, including human exceptionalism, the polarization of public discourse, Disneyfied stereotypes, and unintentional encouragement for ecotourism. As an alternative, it proposes animal-interest framing and explores multispecies justice cinema as alternative strategies for more ethical portrayals. By proactively developing guidelines for responsible media practices, the research project aims to ensure that the representations of breakthroughs in AI for non-human animal communication serve the interests of animals and broader conservation goals. This proposal will address potential risks of problematic framing of the research outcomes by journalists, discuss alternative representational strategies, and briefly outline the methodology of the PhD research project.

Submission Number: 42