AI and social media platforms are becoming obstacles in tackling climate change, researchers claim

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) coupled with large language models, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, and social media can influence climate action. This claim has been made in an article published in the Global Environmental Politics Journal.

Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) said, there is a common perception that AI, social media, and other tech products and platforms are neutral or somewhat positive regarding the steps being taken to address climate change.

Researchers claim that all of this could reduce human abilities for creative thinking and problem-solving – which is vital to tackling climate change. Along with this, these platforms are reducing the importance of serious global issues.

According to Dr. Hamish van der Veen, a professor at the University of British Columbia, "These technologies are influencing human behavior and social dynamics, also shaping attitudes and responses to climate change." He further explains that trends keep changing on AI and social media platforms, due to which they keep diverting attention even on serious issues like climate change.

He adds, in reviewing generative AI, that people begin to lose hope and experience a greater sense of hopelessness as a result of constantly receiving bad news on social media. Our ability to organize against climate change is also hindered. The ability to think and be creative is impacted by an increased reliance on technology, says Dr. van der Veen.

Studies have indicated that inaccurate or biased information is frequently provided by social media and AI, which can impede efforts to mitigate climate change.