homepage Zeitgeister The Cultural Magazine of the Goethe-Institut

Illustration: © Ricardo Roa A Greek figure can be seen against a yellow background.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence will have a lasting impact on our society. It is already doing so today. What was considered science fiction just several years ago is now permeating every corner of our lives: AI is not only changing work processes, but also our understanding of knowledge, truth and closeness. This dossier brings together four articles that show from different perspectives how far this transformation has already progressed - and what fundamental questions it raises for our future.

AI and Art Studio Ghibli style and the draining of meaning

What remains of art when AI imitates everything? An essay on Ghibli filters and the quiet erosion of cultural meaning in the age of generative machines.

Illustration: © Ricardo Roa An illustration of a boy in Studio Ghibli style. The figure disintegrates halfway into individual pixels.

AI and emotions Artificial empathy

What happens to us and our psyche when we share our most intimate thoughts and feelings with AI companions? How is our understanding of relationships changing, and what impact is this having on society as a whole? In the following article, author Johannes Kuhn takes a closer look at these pressing questions.

Illustration: © Ricardo Roa An illustration of a robot. Inside the robot is a human.

AI in newsrooms Between a tool and a turning point

AI transcribes interviews, filters comments, improves phrasing – and in doing so, is quietly but fundamentally changing newsroom life. But to what extent? Gregor Schmalzried, journalist and host of Bayerischer Rundfunk’s AI Podcast, offers a behind-the-scenes look.

Illustration: © Ricardo Roa An illustration showing a microphone held in one hand.

AI in the Higher Education sector When AI threatens knowledge

AI is Reshaping Knowledge: from how it changes students’ engagement and deep reading skills, to how Universities are accelerating the shift in favor of efficiency, there are deep implications on what place critical thinking and skepticism have in the creation of knowledge.

Illustration: © Ricardo Roa An illustration symbolising a Greek bust and pantheon.