Perceived Risk of Emerging Information Technologies: The Relationship between Knowledge and Perceived Risk of AI, Machine Learning, Self-driving and VR

Abstract

Emerging information technologies are rapidly growing and expected to change the social systems drastically. This study investigated the relationships between knowledge and risk perceptions regarding new technologies such as AI, machine learning, self-driving, and VR. We conducted an online survey and measured the risk perception and basic scientific knowledge and domain specific knowledge (subjective and objective knowledge regarding emerging information technologies). The results of hierarchical regression analyses showed that the interactive effect of subjective and objective domain specific knowledge was significant. Participants who rated higher in both of subjective and objective knowledge perceived lower risk than other participants. Basic scientific knowledge was correlated with objective knowledge but not significant predictor of risk perception. The explanatory power of the knowledge factors was lower than institutional trust.