AI threatens global knowledge diversity
Experts warn of a potential knowledge collapse as AI ignore oral histories and sustainable practices from non-Western cultures.
AI systems are increasingly becoming the primary source of global information, yet they rely heavily on datasets dominated by Western languages and institutions.
Such reliance creates significant blind spots that threaten to erase centuries of indigenous wisdom and local traditions not currently found in digital archives.
Dominant language models often overlook oral histories and regional practices, including specific ecological knowledge essential for sustainable living in tropical climates.
Experts warn of a looming ‘knowledge collapse’ where alternative viewpoints fade away simply because they are statistically less prevalent in training data.
Future generations may find themselves disconnected from vital human insights as algorithms reinforce a homogenised worldview through recursive feedback loops.
Preserving diverse epistemologies remains crucial for addressing global challenges, such as the climate crisis, rather than relying solely on Silicon Valley’s version of intelligence.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
