Rethinking synthetic data in tourism research: Ethical risks, epistemic shifts, and the RSDU-T framework

Faizan Ali

Annals of Tourism Research, 2025, vol. 114, issue C

Abstract: The rise of synthetic data generated by large language models (LLMs) has sparked critical debate in tourism research. Viglia et al. (2024) explore its potential in early-stage research, while cautioning against its use in main studies. Building on their work, this paper offers a conceptual critique that addresses underexamined theoretical, ethical, and epistemological concerns, including algorithmic accountability, digital inequality, data pollution, and cultural misrepresentation. It warns of the risks of reinforcing dominant narratives and excluding marginalized voices. In response, the Responsible Synthetic Data Usage in Tourism (RSDU-T) framework is proposed, structured around four pillars: transparency, methodological rigor, ethical reflexivity, and epistemological integrity. The framework provides actionable guidelines and is supported by real-world illustrations and a stakeholder implications table to ensure practical relevance. It calls for a reflexive, inclusive, and culturally grounded approach to responsibly integrate synthetic data into tourism research.

Keywords: Synthetic data; Large language models; Responsible AI; Generative AI; Digital inequality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:anture:v:114:y:2025:i:c:s016073832500115x

DOI: 10.1016/j.annals.2025.104009

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