Societal Implications of Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing: Trust, Ethics, and Human-Centered AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) are increasingly embedded in the infrastructures of communication, knowledge production, and decision-making. The emergence of large language models and generative AI has accelerated this integration, enabling systems that can generate, interpret, and influence human language at scale. While these technologies offer significant opportunities across domains such as education, healthcare, media, and governance, they also introduce complex societal challenges. Issues related to bias, misinformation, accountability, transparency, and unequal access are becoming central concerns. As AI-mediated language systems shape how information is created and consumed, it is essential to critically examine their broader societal, cultural, and ethical implications. This Research Topic aims to explore the societal transformation driven by AI and NLP technologies, with a focus on their ethical, cultural, and institutional implications. Moving beyond purely technical advancements, it seeks to foreground research that critically examines how AI-driven language systems influence human behavior, communication practices, and decision-making processes in real-world contexts.The Topic encourages contributions that address key challenges such as fairness, accountability, transparency, trust, and accessibility in AI and NLP systems. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the impact of these technologies in high-stakes domains, including education, healthcare, governance, and digital media, as well as their role in shaping public discourse and information ecosystems. By bringing together interdisciplinary perspectives, this Research Topic aims to bridge the gap between algorithmic innovation and societal needs. It seeks to promote research that not only evaluates the consequences of AI deployment but also proposes frameworks, methodologies, and design principles for developing responsible, inclusive, and human-centered AI systems.We invite high-quality contributions that critically examine the impact of language technologies on individuals, communities, and institutions, as well as work that proposes solutions for responsible and inclusive AI development.Relevant themes include, but are not limited to: • Societal and cultural implications of large language models and generative AI • Fairness, accountability, and transparency in NLP systems • AI-driven communication, media ecosystems, and information integrity • Human–AI interaction and transformations in work, education, and knowledge practices • Inclusion of underrepresented languages and communities in NLP research • Policy, regulation, and governance frameworks for responsible AI • Ethical evaluation, auditing, and participatory design approaches • Public perception, trust, and AI literacy in digital societiesWe welcome original research articles, review papers, and case studies that provide empirical, theoretical, or interdisciplinary insights. Submissions should clearly articulate their societal relevance, even when involving technical contributions. Topic editors: Alaa Mohasseb, Andreas Kanavos Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81031/societal-implications-of-artificial-intelligence-and-natural-language-processing-trust-ethics-and-human-centered-ai