Social capital in the creation of AI perception

Abstract Numerous studies over the past 30 years have examined the relationship between social capital (SC) and information and communication technology (ICT). However, few studies have examined the association between artificial intelligence (AI) and SC. This study addresses this gap using a Web survey ( n = 5000) carried out in the Tokyo metropolitan area in Japan in 2018. The survey included questions on ICT literacy and SC (networks, trust, norms of reciprocity), as well as questions on perceptions of AI including its impact on society. Based on the survey, we extracted four SC factors: cognitive SC, and three forms of structural SC, namely contacts with others, group participations, and SC at work place. We found a statistically significant positive association between SC and positive perceptions of AI through ITC literacy. SC is indirectly associated with AI perception by enhancing ICT literacy, and then ICT literacy enhances AI perception. This indirect effect seems to be mainly caused by two types of structural SC: SC through group participations and SC at work place. Besides this indirect effect, SC has direct effect on AI perception. Cognitive SC has direct positive association with AI perception, whereas structural SC in the form of contacts with others was negatively associated with AI perception. Thus, structural SC has an ambivalent effect on AI perception. Structural SC through group participation as well as SC at work place may work for the positive perceptions of AI through ICT literacy, while those with higher level of contacts with others tend to be cautious toward AI. Both cognitive SC and structural SC assume important roles for the smooth transition into the AI era. Policy makers should be aware of the difference in the way each of these SC forms affects AI perception. SC seems to have mainly promotional impact on the AI perception. However, the precautionary function of SC should not be put on the back burner for the sound social acceptance of AI. In any case, SC assumes an important role in the creation of AI perception.