Public Understanding and Attitudes towards AI: Implications for Science Education

Abstract

In the context of rapid technological advancements, many technological issues have become increasingly complex and multifaceted. This is particularly true for digital technologies such as AI, big data, algorithms, and robotics, which have permeated and profoundly impacted modern society. Beyond the continuous technological progress, these technologies challenge the norms of current societal operations and engage in intricate and complex relationships with various social, cultural, economic, and ethical factors. The development of these issues urgently requires broader public participation to construct more comprehensive societal lifestyles and appropriate technological visions. Against this backdrop, this study aims to analyze the public's understanding and perceptions of AI technologies, as well as their attitudes towards related issues such as functionality, ethics, and governance. Utilizing an online questionnaire, the study commissioned a professional survey distribution company to conduct the survey in late July 2023, and a total of 610 valid questionnaires were collected. The survey results revealed that respondents of Taiwan had a good understanding of the principles of AI operation, tended to trust AI technology on many issues, and affirmed that AI would bring benefits to human life. In terms of governance, the public had the most confidence in the involvement and supervision of scientific institutions. The overall results present a certain degree of dissonance, indicating that the public's understanding of AI principles does not necessarily translate into a reserved attitude towards AI's effects. These findings have significant implications for promoting AI literacy and public science education.