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FOMO in Sub-Saharan African AI Hype: The Quest for a Decolonized AI Adoption Framework

Author

Listed:
  • Danford Zirugo

    (Journalism and Creative Media, University of Alabama, USA)

  • Bruce Mutsvairo

    (Department of Media and Culture Studies, Utrecht University, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Based on an abductive analysis of 54 opinion, editorial, and analytical articles published between 2019 and 2025 in nine English-speaking Sub-Saharan African countries, this study examines negotiation of the place of AI within journalism. Conceptualizing AI hype as a form of metajournalistic discourse, the study finds that discussions about AI in journalism in Sub-Saharan Africa are driven by a fear of missing out and a call for a decolonial approach to the technology’s adoption in a way sensitive to the region’s context.

Suggested Citation

  • Danford Zirugo & Bruce Mutsvairo, 2026. "FOMO in Sub-Saharan African AI Hype: The Quest for a Decolonized AI Adoption Framework," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 14.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:meanco:v14:y:2026:a:12571
    DOI: 10.17645/mac.12571
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