The influence of media use on public perceptions of artificial intelligence in China: Evidence from an online survey

With support from government and business, artificial intelligence is growing quickly in China. However, little is known of how media use shapes the Chinese public’s perception of artificial intelligence. Based on a national online survey (N = 738), this pilot study explored the linkages between media use and people’s risk perception, benefit perception, and policy support of artificial intelligence. Results showed that respondents perceive artificial intelligence as more beneficial than risky. Newspaper use was negatively associated with benefit perception and policy support, whereas television and WeChat use positively predicted both. Analyses of interaction effects showed that personal relevance could partly mitigate the influence of media use.