Digital Humanities and Society Studies

Articles

Digital Narratives in the Age of Intelligent Systems

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https://doi.org/10.54963/dhss.v2i1.2341
Volume 2 Issue 1 (2026): In Progress

Authors

  • Godfrey Wandwi

    School of Digital Technologies and Transformation Studies, Dar es Salaam Tumaini University, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 77588, Tanzania

Received: 1 February 2026; Revised: 9 April 2026; Accepted: 15 May 2026; Published: 26 May 2026

Digital narratives no longer emerge solely from human intention; they are increasingly co-constructed within ecosystems shaped by intelligent systems. This paper interrogates how algorithmic processes, particularly those driven by artificial intelligence, reconfigure narrative authority, temporality, and meaning-making. Rather than treating technology as a neutral conduit, the study positions intelligent systems as active narrative agents that influence both the production and circulation of stories. The inquiry begins by re-examining foundational assumptions in narrative theory, where authorship was historically singular and linear, and contrasts this with contemporary, data-driven storytelling environments. Through a conceptual-analytical approach, the paper traces the shift from static digital storytelling to adaptive, generative, and interactive narrative forms. It argues that narratives produced within intelligent systems operate through probabilistic logic, introducing fluidity and indeterminacy that challenge traditional notions of coherence and authenticity. A proposed conceptual diagram illustrates the triadic relationship between human creators, algorithmic systems, and audiences, emphasizing feedback loops that continuously reshape narrative outputs. This transformation carries significant implications for cultural production, epistemology, and ethical accountability. The paper concludes by calling for a re-theorization of narrative frameworks within digital humanities to accommodate the agency of intelligent systems.

Keywords:

Digital Narratives Intelligent Systems Algorithmic Storytelling Human–AI Interaction Digital Humanities

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