Privacy, Values and Machines: Predicting Opposition to Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

In this study we identify, for the first time, social determinants of opposition to artificial intelligence, based on the assessment of its benefits and risks. Using a national survey in Spain (n = 5200) and linear regression models, we show that common explanations regarding opposition to artificial intelligence, such as competition and relative vulnerability theories, are not confirmed or have limited explanatory power. Stronger effects are shown by social values and general attitudes to science. Those expressing egalitarian values and privacy concerns, as well as those less predisposed to innovation in a general sense, are more prone to oppose both technological applications. Lastly, we found evidence that, as in other complex technological applications, a new cognitive shortcut is produced. In this case, we found a strong correlation (0.652, p < .001) between public attitudes toward robotization in the workplace and toward artificial intelligence. We discuss the implications of this new cognitive schema, the “intelligent machine”, as a new threatening or beneficial element.