Researchers suggest that artificial intelligence (AI) could help bridge contentious cultural divides through a mediation process.

The “Habermas Machine,” developed by a team including Prof. Chris Summerfield from the University of Oxford, generates group statements that reflect majority and minority views to facilitate consensus.

In experiments with over 5,000 participants, AI-generated statements were preferred 56% of the time over those created by human mediators, and agreement among group members increased by an average of eight percentage points.

While the system respects majority opinions, it aims to acknowledge minority views to avoid disenfranchisement.

However, some experts express concerns that smaller minorities might be overlooked, and the machine does not allow for personal expression or empathy development among participants, The Guardian has reported.

Critics emphasize that the technology must be applied thoughtfully to ensure effective mediation beyond mere agreement.

Written by B.C. Begley