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COM Research Seminar: Mapping the sociotechnical imaginaries of generative AI in UK, US, Chinese, and Indian newspapers

08 Sep 2026 (Tue)



On 2 September 2026, Professor John Downey from Loughborough University delivered a seminar titled “Mapping the sociotechnical imaginaries of generative AI in UK, US, Chinese, and Indian newspapers.”



In the seminar, Professor Downey examined the diverse and contested visions of the supposed impact of generative artificial intelligence on society. He observed that generative artificial intelligence has sparked a widespread public discourse oscillating between utopian and dystopian visions about a technologically determined near future. Employing the concept of AI imaginary and utilizing Cave and Dihals conceptual framework he developed a quantitative methodology to map the utopian and dystopian narratives of generative artificial intelligence. He revealed a dystopian perspective in the United Kingdom and the United States focusing on challenges such as workforce displacement and misinformation whereas in China and India the narrative is more utopian highlighting potential benefits for technological leadership economic growth and social advancement. The study provides methodological and conceptual tools for a comparative examination of the sociotechnical imaginaries of generative artificial intelligence.



Faculty members and doctoral students attended the session and engaged in a lively and intellectually stimulating discussion. In responding to questions from the audience, Professor Downey shared valuable insights on how national newspapers construct competing sociotechnical imaginaries of generative AI.



John Downey is Professor of Comparative Media Analysis and Associate Pro Vice Chancellor at Loughborough University, UK. He was elected to the Academy of European Sciences in 2022 and to the Academy of Social Sciences in the UK in 2025. His research interests include environmental communication media and politics in India and the impact of AI on the cultural and creative industries.