Short answer
When designing with or researching AI in communication, clearly define the specific AI type being used and proactively address its ethical and societal implications.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- Annals of the International Communication Association (2025)
- Method
- Systematic Review
- Sample
- 198 studies
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
The rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence, particularly generative AI, in public communication research necessitates a more standardized understanding of AI types and a proactive approach to ethical implications. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2025 study published in Annals of the International Communication Association. Using Systematic review with 198 studies, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing with or researching AI in communication, clearly define the specific AI type being used and proactively address its ethical and societal implications.
Generative AI integration in public communication research is accelerating, demanding clearer definitions and broader ethical considerations.
The rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence, particularly generative AI, in public communication research necessitates a more standardized understanding of AI types and a proactive approach to ethical implications.
Annals of the International Communication Association · 2025
Key Findings
- 01There has been a significant increase in studies on AI in public communication over a four-year period.
- 02AI applications in this field can be categorized into four types: AI as method, Generative AI, AI as communicator, and AI generally.
- 03Research predominantly focuses on human interaction with and attitudes towards AI.
- 04Quantitative methods, especially surveys and experiments with human participants, are the most common research approaches.
- 05A significant portion of the reviewed research originates from English-speaking countries.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing with or researching AI in communication, clearly define the specific AI type being used and proactively address its ethical and societal implications.
How to apply
When initiating a design project involving AI for communication, begin by establishing a precise definition of the AI's role (e.g., as a tool for analysis, a content generator, or an interactive agent) and map out potential user interactions and ethical considerations.
Project actions
- 01When discussing AI in your design project, be very specific about what type of AI you are referring to (e.g., a specific algorithm, a generative model, a chatbot).
- 02Consider the ethical implications of your AI design choices early in the process, not as an afterthought.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Comprehensive systematic review covering a broad range of databases.
- +Categorization of AI applications provides a useful framework for understanding the field.
Limitations
The rapid evolution of AI means that research published even a year or two ago might not fully capture the latest advancements, especially in generative AI.
Reliability & validity
The systematic review methodology enhances reliability by providing a structured approach to data collection and synthesis. Validity is supported by the broad search strategy across multiple databases, though the subjective nature of categorizing AI types could introduce some interpretive variability.
Think critically
Given the rapid advancements in AI, how can researchers and designers ensure their definitions and evaluations of AI remain relevant and comprehensive, especially when studies are often limited by publication timelines?
Design Principles
"Define and contextualize AI applications rigorously, considering human interaction and ethical frameworks from the outset of any design project."
As AI tools become more accessible and integrated into communication strategies, designers and researchers must understand the evolving landscape of AI applications. This includes recognizing different AI functionalities and anticipating user interactions and societal impacts to foster responsible innovation.
What This Means for Your Design
Researchers are finding that more and more studies are looking at how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used in communication. They've found that AI can be used in different ways, like as a tool, a content creator, or even as a character. Most studies look at how people react to AI, using surveys and experiments. However, many studies don't clearly explain what AI is or discuss the ethical side of using it.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this review when discussing the current state of AI research in communication, particularly regarding the categorization of AI and common research methods.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This systematic review highlights a significant increase in research on Artificial Intelligence within public communication, categorizing AI applications into distinct types such as 'AI as method,' 'Generative AI,' and 'AI as communicator.' The predominant research methodologies involve quantitative approaches like surveys and experiments, focusing on human interaction and attitudes towards AI. However, a notable gap exists in the clear definition of AI and the exploration of its normative implications, suggesting a need for more rigorous conceptualization and ethical consideration in future design projects.
Source
Annals of the International Communication Association
Types, methods, and evaluations of artificial intelligence (AI) in public communication research in the early phases of adoption: a systematic review
journal · 2025
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about generative ai integration in public communication research is accelerating, demanding clearer definitions and broader ethical considerations?
- When designing with or researching AI in communication, clearly define the specific AI type being used and proactively address its ethical and societal implications. Evidence: Annals of the International Communication Association (2025).
- Why does "Generative AI integration in public communication research is accelerating, demanding clearer definitions and broader ethical considerations." matter for design?
- As AI tools become more accessible and integrated into communication strategies, designers and researchers must understand the evolving landscape of AI applications. This includes recognizing different AI functionalities and anticipating user interactions and societal impacts to foster responsible innovation.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing with or researching AI in communication, clearly define the specific AI type being used and proactively address its ethical and societal implications.
- What were the main findings?
- There has been a significant increase in studies on AI in public communication over a four-year period.. AI applications in this field can be categorized into four types: AI as method, Generative AI, AI as communicator, and AI generally.. Research predominantly focuses on human interaction with and attitudes towards AI.. Quantitative methods, especially surveys and experiments with human participants, are the most common research approaches.
- What research method was used?
- Systematic Review with 198 studies.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2025 journal from Annals of the International Communication Association.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When initiating a design project involving AI for communication, begin by establishing a precise definition of the AI's role (e.g., as a tool for analysis, a content generator, or an interactive agent) and map out potential user interactions and ethical considerations.
- What are the limitations?
- The review's scope is limited to studies published up to 2022, predating the widespread public discourse on generative AI. Research primarily originates from English-speaking regions, potentially limiting the global perspective.