UNMASKING AI: HOW MEDIA SHAPES STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS TECHNOLOGY

Аннотация

INTRODUCTION having its roots in ancient myths and philosophical Artificial intelligence (AI) is not a new concept, https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajiir 19 THE USA JOURNALS THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INTERDISCIPLINARY INNOVATIONS AND RESEARCH (ISSN- 2642-7478) VOLUME 06 ISSUE09 musings about creating intelligent beings. 2021). At its core, AI revolves around replicating Throughout history, the idea of machines capable facets of human intelligence, including problem- of human-like cognition and behavior evolved solving, learning, and creativity, in machines. from mere fantasy to tangible technology (Kumar, However, as Desai (2020) notes, the 2021; Yang, 2022). Early conceptions of AI were popularization of AI has also led to abstract, embedded in stories about mechanical misconceptions, particularly regarding the beings and automata, gradually taking shape as technology's actual capabilities versus its scientific inquiry advanced. Russell and Norvig potential. (2021) describe this progression as an ongoing The term “artificial intelligence” was formally transformation from imagination to philosophy, introduced by John McCarthy during the and ultimately into functional, sophisticated Dartmouth Research Project in 1955 (Patel, 2020). computer systems. These early imaginings, This initiative laid the groundwork for however, created an enduring legacy of both hope understanding AI as the process of enabling and fear surrounding AI, which has persisted even machines to perform tasks that would typically as the technology itself has advanced into practical require human intelligence. Yet, the definition of applications. intelligence itself remains fluid, with scholars like Despite the growing presence of AI in our daily Fernandez and Smith (2023) acknowledging the lives, many popular narratives about the limitations of current definitions. Intelligence, technology remain largely unrealistic, shaped by whether human or artificial, involves a complex cultural representations in media and interplay of biological, psychological, and cultural entertainment. These depictions have had a factors, and its full nature remains elusive. profound influence, not only on the general public The growing application of AI across various but also on experts in the field, further domains has raised significant questions about its complicating the task of defining AI. Scholars like impact on society. From healthcare innovations to Davis (2023) argue that while AI can be succinctly autonomous vehicles, AI's influence is vast and described as a machine's ability to act sensibly and pervasive, sparking both optimism and concern. As proactively within its environment, popular evidenced by recent studies (Green, 2022), public portrayals often exaggerate or distort these attitudes towards AI are deeply influenced by capabilities. According to Matthews (2021), these media portrayals, particularly in entertainment. dramatized media narratives continue to shape These narratives can create unrealistic public perceptions and trust in AI, making it expectations or unfounded fears, depending on essential to critically examine how the technology how AI is framed. This shaping of perceptions is is portrayed. especially pertinent for younger audiences, such as The media’s influence on AI perception is students, who are continually exposed to AI undeniable. As AI technology permeates various narratives in the media (Diaz, 2023). sectors—from healthcare and education to A recent survey by Brewer (2022) found that transportation and commerce—its societal impact media representations significantly influence how has become a topic of intense scrutiny. Recent the public perceives AI, often resulting in a skewed advancements in big data, the Internet of Things understanding of the technology's actual potential (IoT), and cloud computing have only amplified the and limitations. This has led to the emergence of relevance of AI in shaping modern life (UNESCO, what some scholars call the "Sociology of AI"—a https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajiir 20 THE USA JOURNALS THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INTERDISCIPLINARY INNOVATIONS AND RESEARCH (ISSN- 2642-7478) VOLUME 06 ISSUE09 growing subfield that explores the social influence of media representations on their implications of AI's integration into everyday life attitudes towards artificial intelligence or (Liu, 2021). The media’s role in constructing these intelligent machines? narratives is crucial, as it not only informs public Hypotheses opinion but also shapes policy decisions and 1. There is no significant difference between research directions. the mean response of male and female students on Understanding how students perceive AI is perception does students hold about Artificial particularly important. As future leaders, their Intelligence. views on AI will directly impact how the 2. There is no significant difference between technology is developed, applied, and regulated. the mean resp