Leadership in the metaverse: Algorithmic storytelling, digital gatekeeping, and AI-driven leadership narratives

Leadership in the metaverse: Algorithmic storytelling, digital gatekeeping, and AI-driven leadership narratives

Paper in proceedings (conference paper)

AI-driven digital platforms and algorithmic social media ecosystems have redefined leadership storytelling. Leaders increasingly bypass traditional media by constructing their own narratives through digital platforms, where AI-driven amplification and algorithmic gatekeeping influence visibility and engagement. Despite this transformation, research remains limited on how these mechanisms shape contemporary leadership narratives.Purpose of the article: This study examines how influential leaders use AI-enhanced digital platforms to create, control, and disseminate their leadership narratives. It explores how algorithmic curation, gatekeeping, and AI-driven engagement patterns impact the credibility and resonance of leadership storytelling. The study aims to establish an analytical framework to understand emerging leadership communication strategies in digital and AI-mediated environments.Methods: The research employs quantitative content analysis of high-engagement leader-generated content across platforms. AI-assisted discourse analysis and machine learning classification will identify dominant rhetorical structures, authenticity markers, and shifting storytelling strategies. The study will further analyse the algorithmic amplification and digital gatekeeping mechanisms shaping leadership narratives. Further research will build upon the findings to develop an integrative model.Findings & value added: The research is expected to reveal narrative archetypes, patterns of algorithmic gatekeeping, and shifts in leadership visibility. By bridging digital leadership narratives with computational social sciences, it advances the broader theoretical understanding of leadership communication in the digital era and offers practical insights for leaders by integrating digital influence dynamics.

AI-driven digital platforms and algorithmic social media ecosystems have redefined leadership storytelling. Leaders increasingly bypass traditional media by constructing their own narratives through digital platforms, where AI-driven amplification and algorithmic gatekeeping influence visibility and engagement. Despite this transformation, research remains limited on how these mechanisms shape contemporary leadership narratives.Purpose of the article: This study examines how influential leaders use AI-enhanced digital platforms to create, control, and disseminate their leadership narratives. It explores how algorithmic curation, gatekeeping, and AI-driven engagement patterns impact the credibility and resonance of leadership storytelling. The study aims to establish an analytical framework to understand emerging leadership communication strategies in digital and AI-mediated environments.Methods: The research employs quantitative content analysis of high-engagement leader-generated content across platforms. AI-assisted discourse analysis and machine learning classification will identify dominant rhetorical structures, authenticity markers, and shifting storytelling strategies. The study will further analyse the algorithmic amplification and digital gatekeeping mechanisms shaping leadership narratives. Further research will build upon the findings to develop an integrative model.Findings & value added: The research is expected to reveal narrative archetypes, patterns of algorithmic gatekeeping, and shifts in leadership visibility. By bridging digital leadership narratives with computational social sciences, it advances the broader theoretical understanding of leadership communication in the digital era and offers practical insights for leaders by integrating digital influence dynamics.

leadership narratives; AI-driven storytelling; algorithmic gatekeeping; digital influence; computational leadership

leadership narratives; AI-driven storytelling; algorithmic gatekeeping; digital influence; computational leadership

KEUSCHER, T.

07.07.2025

Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski

Olsztyn

978-83-65605-73-3

13th International Conference on Applied Economics : Contemporary Issues in Economy

55

56

1

https://economic-research.pl/Books/index.php/eep/catalog/book/117