Will AI Take Command? AI-Based Tools for Processing and Visualising Data in Tech-Brand Narratives

Rather than being considered mere software, new AI-powered tools actually collect, examine and evaluate data in order to generate an output in response to the user’s request. However, what happens when an expert user (such as a scientist or researcher) requires AI to process and understand data? How can data modelling, analysis and visualisation be automated in a way that preserves human expertise? How might a trusting relationship be established between humans and non-humans in such a context? Among all technology companies, we will examine Google’s AI program as a particularly interesting case study, as well as the way its features are presented and promoted to professional users. Lastly, we will consider, from a semiotic perspective, the integration of these AI technologies into scientific and research practice, building on Françoise Bastide’s approach to scientific discourse.