The Adaptive Communication Framework (ACF) for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Discovery

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Authors: Omer Eldadi, Gershon Tenenbaum, Abraham Loeb

Published: 2025-08-20 18:12:14+00:00

AI Summary

This paper presents the Adaptive Communication Framework (ACF), a protocol for managing potential extraterrestrial intelligence discoveries. The ACF integrates crisis communication theories with a multi-channel messaging model to address diverse cognitive styles and mitigate AI-driven misinformation.

Abstract

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space and Time will increase interstellar object detection rates to one every few months, substantially elevating the probability of identifying objects with characteristics suggesting artificial origin. Despite this imminent capability, no evidence-based crisis communication framework exists for managing potential technosignature discoveries. We present the Adaptive Communication Framework (ACF), a theoretically grounded protocol that integrates crisis communication theories with the SPECtrum of Rhetoric Intelligences model to address diverse cognitive, social and emotional processing styles. Through analysis of communication failures during COVID-19, Fukushima, and asteroid 99942 Apophis (2004 MN4), we identify critical gaps in managing scientific uncertainty under public scrutiny. The ACF provides graduated protocols calibrated to the Loeb Scale for Interstellar Object Significance, offering specific messaging strategies across four rhetoric intelligence channels (Systematic, Practical, Emotional, Creative) for each evidential level group. Recognizing that Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems will mediate public understanding, the framework incorporates safeguards against synthetic media manipulation and algorithmic misinformation through pre-positioned content seeding and deepfake detection protocols. Our theoretical framework reveals that successful communication of paradigm-shifting discoveries requires simultaneous activation of multiple cognitive channels, with messages adapted to cultural contexts and uncertainty levels. This framework provides essential theoretical groundwork for ensuring humanity's potentially most transformative discovery unfolds through understanding rather than chaos.

Key findings

The ACF highlights the need for multi-channel communication to reach diverse audiences and emphasizes the crucial role of pre-emptive planning and international cooperation. The framework addresses the challenges of managing uncertainty and mitigating the spread of misinformation, especially concerning AI-generated content.

Approach

The ACF uses a multi-phased approach, integrating crisis communication theories (CERC, sensemaking, SCCT, SARF), the SPECtrum of Rhetoric Intelligences model, and lessons from past communication failures (COVID-19, Fukushima, Apophis). It provides graduated protocols calibrated to the Loeb Scale for Interstellar Object Significance, with messaging strategies tailored to four cognitive channels (Systematic, Practical, Emotional, Creative).

Datasets

UNKNOWN

Model(s)

UNKNOWN

Author countries

Israel, USA

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