In the midst of increasing AI-generated artworks, examining the societal role of art is crucial to determining the direction of the art industry in our digitally advancing era. This study aims to compare the appreciation of art between AI and human creators, and to elucidate the intrinsic value of art sought in the digital age. A survey of 116 Japanese participants examined factors that define "good paintings," attractiveness ratings of artworks, and responses to AI. Participants were instructed to rate the attractiveness of 10 paintings created with AI tools under human guidance. Of these 10 paintings, 5 were labeled as "AI-generated artworks," while the remaining 5 were labeled as "human-directed AI-generated artworks."The results highlighted that evaluations of AI art prioritize the quality of the artwork itself and its emotional impact, with minor differences influenced by labeling. While over two-thirds of respondents expressed interest in AI art with minimal resistance, many perceived a difference in value between artworks created by AI and those created by humans, correlating with a general reluctance to purchase AI-generated art. These findings underscore the potential for societal acceptance of AI art, along with persistent challenges in perceptions of its value and purchase intent.
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