This Special Issue, ‘The Human and the Machine: AI Hopes and Fears in Media & Society’, navigates the complex landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), presenting a spectrum of perspectives on its transformative impact. The editorial introduces key articles that explore AI’s dual nature: its potential to drive innovation and efficiency in areas like criminal justice and journalism as well as the significant ethical, societal and environmental concerns it raises. Topics include the implications of AI in carceral communication, the influence of search engine algorithms on journalism, the portrayal of AI in science fiction and the ethical considerations of AI-generated content in children’s stories. Through a comprehensive examination of these themes, this issue underscores the importance of a balanced discourse on AI, advocating for ongoing dialogue, ethical vigilance and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure that AI’s development aligns with societal values and human rights.