AI technologies are rapidly transforming how institutions communicate online. When used responsibly, AI can help streamline workflows, personalize messaging, and enhance engagement. However, its use must be aligned with Rice University’s values of transparency, accuracy, privacy, and inclusion.
This guide outlines best practices and principles for integrating AI into social media content creation and moderation while ensuring ethical, compliant, and human-centered implementation.
Why Responsible AI Use Matters
As social media becomes increasingly shaped by automated content and algorithmic engagement, institutions like Rice need to ensure that all uses of AI are intentional, transparent, and trustworthy. Poorly governed AI use can compromise credibility, spread misinformation, overlook bias, and erode trust with audiences.
Applications of AI in Social Media
- Content Creation: Assist with drafting captions, headlines, or summaries while preserving the Rice brand voice.
- Chatbots and Automated Responses: Deliver quick, consistent replies to frequently asked questions (e.g., admissions deadlines or event logistics).
- Sentiment Monitoring: Analyze public feedback and reactions to gauge tone and inform communication strategies.
- Audience Personalization: Tailor content delivery and timing based on analytics and audience behavior.
- Moderation and Risk Monitoring: Flag inappropriate content, potential crises, or disinformation for review by trained staff.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
- Disclose Automation: If using AI-generated responses or chatbot interactions, clearly inform users where applicable.
- Maintain Human Oversight: AI should support—not replace—human decision-making. Content created or moderated by AI must be reviewed by a trained staff member before publishing or action.
- Check for Bias and Fairness: AI tools should be vetted for bias, and results should be evaluated regularly to ensure inclusive representation.
- Safeguard Privacy: Ensure any AI tool that processes user data complies with FERPA, GDPR, and other privacy regulations. Do not use AI platforms that store or repurpose personal data without explicit permission or legal vetting.
- Respect Intellectual Property: Do not publish AI-generated content as original university work without attribution. Cite sources and avoid using AI tools that generate unlicensed images or plagiarized text.
Best Practices for Using AI in Social Media
- Use AI to enhance, not replace, authentic human voice and engagement.
- Review all AI-generated content for factual accuracy, tone, and compliance with Rice’s brand and values.
- Avoid posting responses generated solely by AI without editorial oversight.
- Be cautious of AI-generated imagery or deepfakes, especially those that mimic real people, campus locations, or events.
- Ensure accessibility and inclusion standards are maintained in all AI-assisted outputs.
- Use institutional or approved accounts when testing or publishing AI-supported content—never use personal logins for university projects.
- Stay current on AI platform updates, terms of use, and data handling practices.
Compliance and Oversight
Failure to adhere to responsible AI guidelines may result in the removal of content, loss of platform access, or other corrective measures. For support regarding AI tool use, contact the Office of Public Affairs at socialmedia@rice.edu or consult with the university’s legal team.