Bounded Use of Artificial Intelligence in Thai Community Recreation: Operational Support and Community-Level Data Governance
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Abstract
Amidst the aging society and digital transformation, community recreation has transitioned into a holistic well-being promotion mechanism. However, the body of knowledge integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with community recreation across humanistic, cultural, and ethical dimensions remains limited. This article aims to: 1) analyze the gaps and limitations of AI application in Thai community recreation; 2) synthesize the role of AI in supporting practitioners; and 3) propose guidelines for applying AI to develop community recreation, utilizing a multidisciplinary literature synthesis approach. The findings reveal that the primary gaps are the lack of an integrated approach bridging technology, practitioners, the community, and the meaning of activities, compounded by the digital divide and limitations of personnel. Therefore, this article proposes that AI should function as a "supportive mechanism" under the human-in-the-loop principle. AI should be utilized for well-defined tasks, such as needs analysis and participation tracking, while practitioners and the community retain the ultimate authority in interpretation and decision-making. The proposed guidelines for AI application advocate a human-centric approach rooted in the community context, integrating functional capabilities, multigenerational participation, and local culture. This must be accompanied by ethical oversight and community-level data governance. Ultimately, this ensures that AI effectively enhances community well-being and practitioners' performance without compromising human dignity, cultural significance, and the community's decision-making autonomy.
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