A new study has found that frequent consumption of artificial intelligence (AI)-related news amplifies political discussion about AI and leads to increased AI literacy and support of AI policies and regulation.

The findings by University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) doctoral students Fanjue Liu and Heidi Makady, Dianne Snedaker Chair in Media Trust and Consortium on Trust in Media and Technology  Research Director Seungahn Nah, and Media Production, Management, and Technology Associate Professor Jasmine McNealy were featured in “When Citizens Support AI Policies: The Moderating Roles of AI Efficacy on AI News, Discussion and Literacy” published in the Journal of Information Technology and Politics on Dec. 25, 2023.

According to the authors, “Using data from a national online survey, our research delineates the mechanism by which AI-related news consumption enhances AI literacy through AI-related discussions, subsequently fostering enhanced support for AI policies and regulations. In this process, AI efficacy emerges as a critical boundary condition. Specifically, the relationship between AI-related news consumption and support for AI policy and regulation via AI discussions and literacy varies contingent on levels of AI efficacy.”

They add, “The findings highlight a moderated indirect effect, whereby the positive influence from AI-related news consumption to support for AI policy and regulation through AI discussions and AI literacy only occurs when citizens have high levels of AI efficacy. As AI continues to permeate every facet of our lives, understanding these nuances becomes crucial. Future research and policymaking must build on these findings, ensuring that in our AI-centric future, every citizen is empowered, well-informed and actively engaged.”

Posted: January 2, 2024
Category: AI at CJC News, College News, Student News, Trust News
Tagged as: AI, Ai Literacy, Fanjue Liu, Heidi Makady, Jamnine McNealy, Journal of Information Technology and Politics, Seungahn Nah