Dr. Dennis Frieß (Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf): "AI within Public Online Discourse"

• 30.06.2025
• 18:30 Clock
• Bremer Presse-Club • Schnoor 27

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a focal point of academic discourse, particularly with regard to its role in shaping and moderating public online discussions. This presentation introduces three research projects that examine the interplay between AI and online communication. The first project focuses on the relationship between AI and deliberation. A systematic literature review analyses which aspects of deliberative communication are already supported by AI applications and identifies areas where further research is needed. The second project presents empirical findings on public perceptions of AI participation in online discussions, with a particular emphasis on the risks it poses to opinion formation as well as its potential to enhance the quality of online discourse. The third project addresses the ethical challenges associated with the active involvement of AI in discursive processes. In the concluding part, participants will be invited to reflect on the potentials and risks of AI in online discourse and to discuss perspectives for future research and practical implementation.

Bio

Dr. Dennis Frieß is a communication scholar and currently serves as the Scientific Coordinator of the Düsseldorf Institute for Internet and Democracy (DIID) at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf. His research focuses on political communication, deliberative democracy, digital public spheres, and the role of artificial intelligence in online discourse. A particular emphasis of his work lies in exploring how digital technologies influence societal processes of communication, participation, and opinion formation. Dennis Frieß has been involved in various interdisciplinary research projects and is actively engaged in fostering dialogue between science, civil society, and technological development.