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Machine culture

Author

Listed:
  • Levin Brinkmann

    (Max Planck Institute for Human Development)

  • Fabian Baumann

    (Max Planck Institute for Human Development)

  • Jean-François Bonnefon

    (Toulouse School of Economics)

  • Maxime Derex

    (Toulouse School of Economics
    Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse)

  • Thomas F. Müller

    (Max Planck Institute for Human Development)

  • Anne-Marie Nussberger

    (Max Planck Institute for Human Development)

  • Agnieszka Czaplicka

    (Max Planck Institute for Human Development)

  • Alberto Acerbi

    (University of Trento)

  • Thomas L. Griffiths

    (Princeton University)

  • Joseph Henrich

    (Harvard University)

  • Joel Z. Leibo

    (DeepMind Technologies Ltd)

  • Richard McElreath

    (Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology)

  • Pierre-Yves Oudeyer

    (Université de Bordeaux)

  • Jonathan Stray

    (University of California, Berkeley)

  • Iyad Rahwan

    (Max Planck Institute for Human Development)

Abstract

The ability of humans to create and disseminate culture is often credited as the single most important factor of our success as a species. In this Perspective, we explore the notion of ‘machine culture’, culture mediated or generated by machines. We argue that intelligent machines simultaneously transform the cultural evolutionary processes of variation, transmission and selection. Recommender algorithms are altering social learning dynamics. Chatbots are forming a new mode of cultural transmission, serving as cultural models. Furthermore, intelligent machines are evolving as contributors in generating cultural traits—from game strategies and visual art to scientific results. We provide a conceptual framework for studying the present and anticipated future impact of machines on cultural evolution, and present a research agenda for the study of machine culture.

Suggested Citation

  • Levin Brinkmann & Fabian Baumann & Jean-François Bonnefon & Maxime Derex & Thomas F. Müller & Anne-Marie Nussberger & Agnieszka Czaplicka & Alberto Acerbi & Thomas L. Griffiths & Joseph Henrich & Joel, 2023. "Machine culture," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 7(11), pages 1855-1868, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nathum:v:7:y:2023:i:11:d:10.1038_s41562-023-01742-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41562-023-01742-2
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