Societal and Commercial Criticism of Generative AI: A Systematic Literature Review of Public Backlash

Abstract

This study investigates the rapid emergence of Generative AI (Gen-AI) and art produced by Artificial Intelligence (AI art), emphasizing the negative opinions surrounding Gen-AI ethically, legally, and environmentally. Through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of 171 scholarly studies, this paper analyses the primary forms of criticism directed at Gen-AI, the factors that contribute to these perceptions, and the extent to which these criticisms can be regarded as valid or justified. The reviewed literature indicates that Gen-AI poses significant challenges to creative labor markets and intellectual property frameworks, while also raising substantial concerns about energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with data center infrastructure. These concerns are examined in the context of organizations increasingly adopting Gen-AI for efficiency, scalability, and competitive advantage in the digital economy.