Understanding College Student Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence

• Main Author: Thomas Jeffrey
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: International Institute of Informatics and Cybernetics 2020-04-01
• Series: Journal of Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics
• Subjects: society; perceptions; college students; artificial intelligence; potential impact
• Online Access: http://www.iiisci.org/Journal/CV$/sci/pdfs/HB785NN20.pdf

Artificial intelligence (AI) is such a part our lives it seems to be changing us, or at least how we do life, without us being aware of its gradual omnipresence. Despite the push by business and government to develop AI, there is a concern about the real effects it is having on society. This study was designed to explore student perceptions of AI through quantitative statistical methods. The results of this study suggest that the general perception of AI is positive, but there exists some concern about the rapid development of AI and how it will affect humankind. In particular, being more informed about AI developments has a significant influence on both positive and negative perceptions of its impact on individuals and society. Furthermore, this paradox, along with the lack of understanding about AI, seems to add to a social tension arising from the inevitable advance of technology and the uncertainty of the effect of AI.