Research Laboratory of the Faculty of Creative Industries, HSE University
Hosted by the Faculty of Creative Industries
Project duration: March 2026–May 2027

In the era of intensive digitalisation and mediatisation, social and humanities research on new technologies that influence communication between people is acquiring particular significance. Examples of these include Web 3.0 technical solutions and artificial intelligence systems. 

Social and humanities research in this field makes it possible not only to forecast innovative potential, but also, through interaction with a new, non-human communication partner, enables individuals to better understand themselves and their idea of a desirable future. 

Amid shifting boundaries between the normal and the familiar, our values, beliefs, behaviour patterns, and ideals manifest most clearly and become most relevant for comprehensive study. In other words, despite the introduction of increasingly agentic technologies into communication, it remains a social process embedded in the way we think and interact with technologies, and therefore requires a socio-humanitarian assessment. 

The main focus of the laboratory’s work is conducting comprehensive humanities research on artificial intelligence in communication.

Key research areas:

• Social perceptions of AI
• Social practices of interacting with AI in communication
• Visual communication and AI
• The political economy of media and AI

The project’s results will be useful for companies implementing AI in their communication processes, developers of AI-based products, and heads of departments involved in cultural production (including media editorial offices, museums, and other creative sectors), as well as for a broad audience interested in a critical understanding of technological development.