Facing Mega-Crises in the Global Era of AI

Abstract

Communication discipline, including communication courses in higher education, must aptly respond to the demands emerging due to the rapid developments in the AI technologies and globally widespread application of generative AI. Furthermore, to truly stay relevant, communication education must speak to the pervasive, complicated, and difficult-to-solve mega-crises that are diminishing human security, while growing more severe in the current era, around the world. This chapter explores the approaches within communication higher education that can contribute to mitigation of mega-crises via meaningful and ethical integration of AI-supported solutions. Specifically, communication education should emphasize (1) global alliances, (2) cross-disciplinary alliances, (3) community-inclusive alliances, (4) creativity, adaptability, and acceptance of uncertainty, and (5) establishment of viable infrastructures and platforms that enable global, cross-disciplinary, and community-inclusive deliberation and decision-making.