The key facts

  • 556 students took part in the free association study
  • AI is most often associated with intelligence, technology, help, speed, and the future
  • Two parallel approaches were identified: AI as a working tool and as a system with human traits (anthropomorphization)

How students imagine artificial intelligence

A study on the perception of artificial intelligence involved 556 students. To find out which ideas about AI are most firmly rooted in their minds, the researchers used a free association method: participants were asked to name the first words and images that come to mind when AI is mentioned. The responses were then analyzed to determine which concepts appeared most frequently and how significant they were. The methodology is described in the research article published in the journal Sociology (söralgan).

Two images of AI in students' minds

According to the analysis, artificial intelligence is most often associated with the concepts of 'intelligence,' 'technology,' 'help,' 'speed,' and 'the future.' Students perceive AI primarily as a technical system that makes people's work easier and helps them complete tasks efficiently. At the same time, they emphasized that AI is artificially created and lacks qualities inherent to humans — in their view, it is not a 'living mind' but a tool serving specific purposes. Kun.uz reports this citing the study's findings.

Anthropomorphization and lingering doubts

The researchers found that two approaches coexist in students' perceptions. On the one hand, AI is seen as a technological assistant capable of significantly boosting productivity, where practical benefit comes first. On the other hand, students tend to attribute human qualities to it, describing it as a system that can 'think,' create, be 'smart' or, conversely, 'stupid.' In psychology, this phenomenon is called anthropomorphization — the attribution of human qualities to non-human objects. Despite the generally positive attitude, participants still have questions about the technology's reliability and safety. 'Although students' overall attitude is positive, they have serious concerns. While acknowledging AI's future potential, the majority doubts its reliability and safety,' noted Inna Vasilyeva, a professor at Tyumen State University's School of Education. According to her, these issues require separate attention.