AI Revolutionizing Public Trust: The Future of Policy Decisions
Published on: March 10, 2024
A recent study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science indicates a significant difference in how left-leaning and right-leaning media outlets perceive artificial intelligence (AI). Liberal media outlets, including the Washington Post and CNN, exhibit greater skepticism towards AI, primarily due to concerns about AI's potential to amplify societal biases.
The study observed that events like the social justice protests following George Floyd's death in 2020 heightened sensitivity towards societal biases, influencing AI sentiment across both liberal and conservative media. This change in media attitude towards AI, particularly in liberal outlets, reflects broader concerns about social justice and ethical AI use.
These media-driven sentiments could impact public trust in AI, especially in relation to its military and government applications. The Pentagon's ambition to ethically integrate AI into its operations, aligning with principles established in 2019, may face skepticism influenced by media portrayal. This disconnect between public perception and official messaging could affect various aspects of military operations, including recruitment, talent acquisition, and budget allocation.
The findings also highlight a potential challenge for the Biden Administration and lawmakers who emphasize AI development as crucial in the global competition between democratic and autocratic states. Negative sentiment towards AI, particularly among the increasingly left-leaning younger population, could hinder progress in AI adoption and its acceptance in military contexts.
The study suggests that acknowledging and addressing social and ethical concerns about AI is vital for gaining public support. Schuyler Moore, CENTCOM’s chief technology officer, emphasizes the importance of building trust in AI gradually, with clear communication of expected performance improvements over time.
In summary, the study underscores the need for a nuanced approach in communicating and deploying AI, especially in sensitive areas like defense and government. Addressing ethical concerns and building public trust will be key to advancing AI applications effectively and responsibly.