How the Public Makes Sense of Artificial Intelligence: The Interplay Between Communication and Discrete Emotions

While artificial intelligence (AI) garners widespread media attention as an emerging technology, empirical research on how AI-related information influences public opinion is scarce, especially among those with preexisting emotions toward AI. Utilizing a survey of 1,206 U.S. adults, this study examined how communication about AI and three discrete emotions (anger, fear, and hope) jointly affect public attitudes. More exposure to AI information from mediated sources was linked to stronger support for AI, particularly among those reporting more anger and less hope toward AI. Conversely, there was no significant association between information exposure from interpersonal sources and public support.