(RAS2) Navigating the Unavoidable: AI in Contemporary Sociological Research
As AI technologies become increasingly imbedded into many facets of social life, they are also reshaping the landscape of social science research. AI tools are now used to collect data, analyze vast datasets, streamline workflows, mobilize knowledge, make publishing decisions, and even generate new ideas that may both aid and obscure our understanding of social phenomena. This shift, while offering immense opportunities, raises crucial ethical, methodological, and philosophical questions. Through an engaging discussion, the panel aims to spark critical dialogue on how social scientists can thoughtfully and responsibly navigate the opportunities and challenges posed by AI to maintain the integrity of high-quality, autonomous, and conscientious sociological research.