ABSTRACT
AI has been a major consideration in contemporary digital capitalism and culture. This chapter first constructs how the histories and concepts of AI and digital platforms have evolved in media and cultural research. It examines the ways in which we understand AI in the realms of media and popular culture, not only in the production of popular culture and media content but also in the distribution and consumption. Then, the chapter addresses the role of digital platforms supported by AI in cultural production, focusing on their role as mediators. It discusses the crucial connection of these two fundamental digital technologies. Eventually, the chapter develops the ideas of convergence between AI and digital platforms in the cultural sector in order to understand the nexus of AI, digital platforms, and popular culture as one of the most significant trends in the early 21st century. Finally, it discusses the theoretical development of our perspectives on the possibility of AI as a digital platform.
