From Concern to Enthusiasm: A Cluster Analysis of Young Adults' Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Generative AI

This contribution analyses the complex societal implications of Generative AI (GenAI) through an empirical lens, with a particular focus on young adults. The study investigates the attitudes and perceptions of future impacts of a specific segment of the youth population, namely university students, who can be considered a particularly relevant information resource in terms of their socio-cultural background.

A survey was conducted involving 1,366 participants from 24 Italian higher education institutions. While approximately half of the respondents reported integrating GenAI into their routines, a cluster analysis revealed four distinct groups: the "indifferent" (18.9%), the "fearful" (21.3%), the "neutral digital" (29.5%), and the "enthusiastic digital" (30.3%). The "indifferent" group, characterized by low digital literacy, demonstrated minimal engagement with AI and perceived its impact as distant. The "fearful" cluster, predominantly female, expressed strong ethical concerns and scepticism about AI's benefits. The two "digital" groups, primarily male with high digital skills, showed similar positive perceptions of AI's potential but diverged in their assessment of risks. The "neutral digital" group maintained a balanced view, acknowledging both benefits and potential drawbacks, while the "enthusiastic digital" cluster displayed overwhelmingly positive attitudes, rejecting most concerns about AI's societal impact.

It is noteworthy that respondents did not perceive personal risks related to their studies or careers from AI adoption. However, significant variations in societal concerns were observed across clusters, ranging from the "fearful" group's apprehension to the "enthusiastic digital" cluster's optimism. These findings contribute to the ongoing debate on AI in society, providing nuanced insights into the diverse perspectives of young adults regarding GenAI's role in shaping their future. The perspective and attitudes of these highly educated young individuals towards AI are crucial in predicting the social development and integration of these technologies, as they represent future decision-makers and influential adopters in various sectors.