Ten Predictions for AI and the Future of Anthropology

Abstract: This article proposes ten speculative predictions for the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on anthropology, demonstrating that AI is not merely a tool, but a future transformative force in the discipline. The predictions span disruption across all five fields of anthropology, the role of AI as a collaborative partner, its ability to transform ethnography and public engagement, and the introduction of automated digital ethnography (ADE). They also cover AI-enhanced multimodal analysis, the emergence of anthropology-specific AI tools, and the development of anthropological knowledge graphs. Furthermore, the article discusses new models of anthropological entrepreneurship and the possibility of an Anthropology as a Service (AaaS) platform. It concludes by stressing the importance of addressing ethical issues that come with AI, including bias, transparency, and job market impact, in shaping the future of anthropology.

Published at: https://www.anthropology-news.org/articles/ten-predictions-for-ai-and-the-future-of-anthropology/

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/AN.1605

Cite As: Artz, Matt. 2023. “Ten Predictions for AI and the Future of Anthropology.” Anthropology News website, May 8, 2023.