The Structure of Communication Networks in Human-Algorithmic Interaction

This study examines communication networks in three IT organizations. It focuses on how human-algorithmic interaction fits into existing patterns of organizational communication. Social network analysis (SNA) was used to compare three forms of interaction: within functional groups, between functional groups, and between these groups and AI. AI was represented as a separate digital node in each organizational network. The results show that communication is denser within functional groups than between them. Intergroup ties are less dense and are concentrated between particular groups. In contrast, functional groups interact with AI more extensively than with one another. Group-to-AI density exceeds intergroup density in all three organizations. This pattern shows that intensive interaction with AI can coexist with limited cross-functional communication. Thus, the widespread use of AI across functional areas does not necessarily correspond to stronger structural ties between them.