Why Researchers Reject Generative AI in Reflexive Qualitative Research

This video explains the 2025 international position paper “We Reject the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence for Reflexive Qualitative Research”, signed by hundreds of researchers from dozens of countries.

The manifesto presents a collective and categorical rejection of generative AI tools in reflexive qualitative research, arguing that social data analysis is an inherently human practice grounded in interpretation, reflexivity, and ethical responsibility.

🔍 In this video, you will learn:
Why researchers oppose the use of generative AI in reflexive qualitative methods
How AI systems may silence marginalized voices by privileging dominant language patterns
Why interpretation and meaning-making cannot be automated
The methodological risks of delegating coding and theme generation to AI
Ethical concerns related to labor exploitation in the Global South
The environmental impact of large-scale AI infrastructures
How generative AI may threaten academic integrity and social justice

📊 Core arguments of the manifesto:
Reflexive qualitative research depends on human subjectivity and accountability
AI tools lack contextual, political, and ethical awareness
Automated pattern detection is incompatible with reflexive meaning-making
Responsible research must protect epistemic justice and marginalized knowledge

📚 Reference:
Jowsey, T., Braun, V., Clarke, V., Lupton, D., Fine, M., et al. (2025). We reject the use of generative artificial intelligence for reflexive qualitative research. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5676462

This video is intended for:
Qualitative and social science researchers
Methodologists and research ethics scholars
Graduate and doctoral students
Anyone interested in the ethical limits of AI in research