SHAPING MACHINES IN OUR IMAGE: THE INFLUENCE OF SCIENCE FICTION CINEMA ON PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Aditya  Negi; Sakshi  Negi; Sunaina Harit; Atika  Tewari

doi:10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i5s.2026.7866

Authors

Aditya Negi Research Scholar, Central University of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Dr. Sakshi Negi Assistant Professor, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Naugaon, India
Sunaina Harit Research Scholar, Central University of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Dr. Atika Tewari Assistant Professor, Amity University, Noida, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i5s.2026.7866

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, Science Fiction Cinema, Public Perception, Media Influence, Student Attitudes

Abstract [English]

This exploratory study investigates how science fiction cinema influences public perceptions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) among students at the Central University of Jammu. Grounded in Medium is the Message, Cultivation, and Reception theories, the research examines the role of film in shaping understanding of AI’s societal impact. A survey of 151 students across Computer Science and Humanities disciplines was conducted, utilizing statistical tools like ANOVA and Pearson correlation for data analysis. Findings indicate that 67.5% of participants acknowledge Sci-fi movies as a primary influence on their views. While Hollywood films were more frequently consumed, both domestic and international cinema significantly shaped opinions. Results reveal a dualistic perception: respondents are optimistic about AI’s potential in healthcare and automation, yet remain deeply concerned regarding ethical misuse and loss of control. Notably, the study found that media exposure bridges the knowledge gap between technical and non-technical students. While limited by its specific demographic, the study suggests that Sci-fi acts as a critical cultural lens. Future research should employ longitudinal designs to further explore the causal relationship between sustained media consumption and evolving AI attitudes.

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