Artificial Intelligence Beyond Automation: Discourses of Risk, Opportunity, and Control
Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, Automation, GovernanceAbstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved from an automation tool into a transformative societal force, creating a polarized landscape of optimism and concern regarding its governance and impact. This study seeks to bring clarity by mapping the dominant narratives that shape our collective understanding of AI. Guided by technological securitization theory, this research employs a qualitative, critical discourse analysis of 44 influential academic, policy, and media documents published between 2019 and 2025. The analysis reveals three distinct yet interconnected discursive patterns: AI as an Opportunity for human development, economic growth, and institutional efficiency; AI as a Risk that amplifies systemic vulnerabilities like algorithmic bias, labor displacement, and disinformation; and AI as an object of Control that necessitates governance through ethical standards, regulations, and accountability mechanisms. The findings demonstrate that these competing narratives are not isolated but interact to shape political and regulatory priorities. The study concludes that the future of AI will be determined less by its technical capabilities and more by the political choices informed by these discourses. It consequently proposes a multi-level set of policy recommendations spanning national regulations, international cooperation, corporate accountability, and public foresight to proactively steer AI innovation towards upholding human dignity, democratic values, and global security.
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