Media effects on the perceptions of robots

Abstract

This study utilizes the media persuasion perspective to investigate the connection of media exposure of robots on the general attitude and trust toward robots of people from different cultural backgrounds. Study 1 utilized 2016 survey data from Finnish care workers (N = 3800). Study 2 used two 2019 datasets from the adult population of the United States (N = 1003; N = 969), and Study 3 involved a trust game experiment on robots (n = 331). Results showed that the overall media exposure of robots is linked to a positive general attitude toward robots, but only fact-based media channel exposure had a positive impact on trust in robots. Results suggest that the experience of robots gained through media exposure is a relevant factor affecting people's perceptions of robots. The findings contribute to the discussions on media effects and have practical implications for gaining evidence about the precursors of accepting robots.