Views about ChatGPT: Are human decision making and human learning necessary?

TL;DR

This study analyzes survey data from 2024 to understand how individual characteristics influence perceptions of generative AI, revealing diverse opinions based on profession, gender, and usage habits.

Contribution

It provides new insights into how different demographics and usage patterns shape attitudes toward GAI, highlighting the complexity of public perception.

Findings

Smartphone use correlates negatively with valuing human learning.

Managers and businesspeople generally view GAI positively.

Teachers and medical workers have nuanced views depending on GAI's role.

Abstract

Using individual-level survey data from 2024, this study investigated how respondent characteristics are associated with a subjective view of generative artificial intelligence (GAI). We asked 14 questions concerning respondents view about GAI, such as general view, faulty GAI, autonomous GEI, GAI replacing humans, and importance of human learning. Regression analysis based on the ordered logit model revealed that: (1) In some cases, the results of smartphone and computer usage times differed. Smartphone usage time was negatively correlated with the importance of human learning, whereas computer usage was not negatively correlated. (2) Managers and ordinary businesspeople have positive views of GAI. However, managers do not show a positive view about GAI being responsible for human decision making. (3) Teachers generally have a negative view about GAI replacing humans and no need of learning. They do not have negative views about GAI producing documents unless GAI is faulty. (4) Medical industry workers positively view GAI if it operates following their direction. However, they do not agree with the view that GAI replaces humans, and that human learning is unnecessary. (5) Females are less likely than men to have a positive view of GAI. In summary, views about GAI vary widely by the individual characteristics and condition of GAI, and by the question set.