Perspective on artificial intelligence: A profile study on the attitudes of university students

Abstract

The global growth of artificial intelligence (AI) across various industries necessitates considering the impact it will have on future generations. However, studies on university students’ perspectives on AI remain limited. Previous studies in Turkey have not grouped students with similar characteristics based on their attitudes toward AI, nor attempted to identify potential student profiles. The current study aims to fill this gap in the literature. Data for the study were collected by conducting face-to-face interviews with 254 students studying at Marmara University using a questionnaire covering their sociodemographic characteristics and views on AI. Frequency tables and descriptive statistics were first evaluated within the scope of the study. Since the variables used in the study were categorical, Two-Stage Cluster Analysis, one of the multivariate analysis techniques, was applied to identify homogeneous subgroups among the students. As a result of the analysis performed using the log-likelihood distance measure, 3 clusters were obtained, and the profiles of the student clusters formed were identified as “Cautious Innovators,” “Active Beneficiaries and Concerned User,” and “Positive and Forward-Thinking Users.” Student prof iles were then evaluated for similarities and differences. The findings show that artificial intelligence cannot be considered separately from education (83.9% of students receive support from artificial intelligence.) but ethics, security (96% of students do not find the use of artificial intelligence ethical and reliable.) and psychological effects (63% of students are afraid of the possible effects of artificial intelligence.) should be carefully evaluated.