Perceptions of AI Amongst Young Adults

Authors

• Ryan Cruz, Boise State UniversityFollow
• Bridget Sharp, Boise State UniversityFollow
• Chandler Johnson, Boise State UniversityFollow
• Roger Pelkey, Boise State UniversityFollow
• Nick Kavanagh, Boise State UniversityFollow
• Nick Lippman, Boise State UniversityFollow
• Shikhar Sarin, Boise State UniversityFollow
• Maddie Charter, Boise State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Shikhar Sarin

Abstract

The objective of our research investigates consumer perceptions and behaviors regarding artificial intelligence and its projected impact. We collected survey data from 242 respondents, aged 18-25, across different levels of education, major, and employment. Our results show that female respondents trust both social media and friends/family/peers over AI, men trust AI more than social media and trust AI more to make important decisions. Men are more confident in their ability to tell the difference between AI content and real content. Business majors use AI to make important decisions more than other majors, such as STEM and Humanities/Arts.

Additional analyses of the data are in progress.

Recommended Citation

Cruz, Ryan; Sharp, Bridget; Johnson, Chandler; Pelkey, Roger; Kavanagh, Nick; Lippman, Nick; Sarin, Shikhar; and Charter, Maddie, "Perceptions of AI Amongst Young Adults" (2026). 2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase. 49.
https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/under_showcase_2026/49