Digital Society Lab, Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Abstract:The rapid growth of online news platforms has led to an increased need for reliable methods to evaluate the quality and credibility of news articles. This paper proposes a comprehensive framework to analyze online news texts using natural language processing (NLP) techniques, particularly a language model specifically trained for this purpose, alongside other well-established NLP methods. The framework incorporates ten journalism standards-objectivity, balance and fairness, readability and clarity, sensationalism and clickbait, ethical considerations, public interest and value, source credibility, relevance and timeliness, factual accuracy, and attribution and transparency-to assess the quality of news articles. By establishing these standards, researchers, media organizations, and readers can better evaluate and understand the content they consume and produce. The proposed method has some limitations, such as potential difficulty in detecting subtle biases and the need for continuous updating of the language model to keep pace with evolving language patterns.
Abstract:The emergence of the metaverse, envisioned as a hyperreal virtual universe facilitating boundless human interaction, stands to revolutionize our conception of media, with significant impacts on addiction, creativity, relationships, and social polarization. This paper aims to dissect the addictive potential of the metaverse due to its immersive and interactive features, scrutinize the effects of its recommender systems on creativity and social polarization, and explore potential consequences stemming from the metaverse development. We employed a literature review methodology, drawing parallels from the research on new media platforms and examining the progression of reality-mimicking features in media from historical perspectives to understand this transformative digital frontier. The findings suggest that these immersive and interactive features could potentially exacerbate media addiction. The designed recommender systems, while aiding personalization and user engagement, might contribute to social polarization and affect the diversity of creative output. However, our conclusions are based primarily on theoretical propositions from studies conducted on existing media platforms and lack empirical support specific to the metaverse. Therefore, this paper identifies a critical gap requiring further research, through empirical studies focused on metaverse use and addiction and exploration of privacy, security, and ethical implications associated with this burgeoning digital universe. As the development of the metaverse accelerates, it is incumbent on scholars, technologists, and policymakers to navigate its multilayered impacts thoughtfully to balance innovation with societal well-being.
Abstract:As Large Language Models (LLMs) become increasingly integrated into everyday life, their capabilities to understand and emulate human cognition are under steady examination. This study investigates the ability of LLMs to comprehend and interpret linguistic pragmatics, an aspect of communication that considers context and implied meanings. Using Grice's communication principles, LLMs and human subjects (N=76) were evaluated based on their responses to various dialogue-based tasks. The findings revealed the superior performance and speed of LLMs, particularly GPT4, over human subjects in interpreting pragmatics. GPT4 also demonstrated accuracy in the pre-testing of human-written samples, indicating its potential in text analysis. In a comparative analysis of LLMs using human individual and average scores, the models exhibited significant chronological improvement. The models were ranked from lowest to highest score, with GPT2 positioned at 78th place, GPT3 ranking at 23rd, Bard at 10th, GPT3.5 placing 5th, Best Human scoring 2nd, and GPT4 achieving the top spot. The findings highlight the remarkable progress made in the development and performance of these LLMs. Future studies should consider diverse subjects, multiple languages, and other cognitive aspects to fully comprehend the capabilities of LLMs. This research holds significant implications for the development and application of AI-based models in communication-centered sectors.
Abstract:This paper explores the potential of a multidisciplinary approach to testing and aligning artificial general intelligence (AGI) and LLMs. Due to the rapid development and wide application of LLMs, challenges such as ethical alignment, controllability, and predictability of these models have become important research topics. This study investigates an innovative simulation-based multi-agent system within a virtual reality framework that replicates the real-world environment. The framework is populated by automated 'digital citizens,' simulating complex social structures and interactions to examine and optimize AGI. Application of various theories from the fields of sociology, social psychology, computer science, physics, biology, and economics demonstrates the possibility of a more human-aligned and socially responsible AGI. The purpose of such a digital environment is to provide a dynamic platform where advanced AI agents can interact and make independent decisions, thereby mimicking realistic scenarios. The actors in this digital city, operated by the LLMs, serve as the primary agents, exhibiting high degrees of autonomy. While this approach shows immense potential, there are notable challenges and limitations, most significantly the unpredictable nature of real-world social dynamics. This research endeavors to contribute to the development and refinement of AGI, emphasizing the integration of social, ethical, and theoretical dimensions for future research.
Abstract:To assess the potential applications and limitations of chatbot GPT-3 Davinci-003, this study explored the temporal reliability of personality questionnaires applied to the chatbot and its personality profile. Psychological questionnaires were administered to the chatbot on two separate occasions, followed by a comparison of the responses to human normative data. The findings revealed varying levels of agreement in the chatbot's responses over time, with some scales displaying excellent while others demonstrated poor agreement. Overall, Davinci-003 displayed a socially desirable and pro-social personality profile, particularly in the domain of communion. However, the underlying basis of the chatbot's responses, whether driven by conscious self-reflection or predetermined algorithms, remains uncertain.