Media ideology shapes public perception of artificial intelligence – Open Access Government

Virginia Tech Pamplin College of Business researchers Angela Yi, Shreyans Goenka, and Mario Pandelaere explored the impact of political ideology on AI coverage. Their study, Partisan Media Sentiment Toward Artificial Intelligence, reveals that liberal-leaning media and even some aspects of social media express more negativity toward AI than conservative counterparts.

Liberal medias scepticism toward AI is linked to heightened concerns about the technology exacerbating societal biases. The study identifies a focus on racial, gender, and income disparities by liberal outlets, contributing to their more negative portrayal of AI.

The researchers note a shift in media sentiment post-George Floyds death, with increased negativity towards AI. The incident triggered a national conversation about social biases, intensifying media concerns about AIs role in perpetuating societal inequalities.

Findings suggest that partisan media sentiment influences public opinion on AI, potentially impacting policymaking. Angela Yi highlights the power of media sentiment in shaping public perception. She calls for further exploration into how social media conversations about AI may evolve based on these partisan differences.

Based on a dataset of over 7,500 articles, the study refrains from prescribing an optimal stance but emphasises recognising and understanding these ideological differences in media discourse.

In conclusion, Virginia Techs research illuminates the significant role political ideology plays in shaping public narratives around artificial intelligence. As media sentiment influences public opinion, the findings underscore the potential impact on policymaking. Acknowledging these ideological differences is crucial for fostering a nuanced understanding of AI and its societal implications.

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Media ideology shapes public perception of artificial intelligence - Open Access Government

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