Abstract:  Social media powered by AI has become a major means for influencing beliefs and behaviors. Its unprecedented analytical, personalization, and scaling capabilities could transform economic, health, and other development outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, issues associated with the AI technologies that underlie social media platforms, such as algorithmic bias and misinformation, and emerging risks of AI persuasion and autonomy could undermine LMICs’ social and human development goals, particularly those with nascent AI governance and capacities. This commentary examines AI-powered social media’s potential to contribute to development in LMICs through social and behavior change, the role of human cognition and cultural influences in mediating AI risks, and how a human-centric approach familiar to international development could help LMICs shape AI-powered social media that supports their values and development goals.

Keywords:  artificial intelligence; low- and middle-income countries; international development; social and behavior change; social media

Published:   30 July 2025

Issue:   Vol 13 (2025): AI, Media, and People: The Changing Landscape of User Experiences and Behaviors