October 29, 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises unprecedented advancements in human knowledge, yet it also raises concerns about societal threats such as destabilisation through AI-driven misinformation campaigns and deepfakes. Media coverage of AI differs across legacy media — such as print, film, and broadcasting — and social media, which often amplifies misinformation due to its algorithmic design.  

As such, public opinion and trust of AI may vary widely depending on the types of media consumed. Additionally, in diverse Asian societies, cultural and political landscapes significantly influence how AI is presented and perceived. For instance, in technologically –advanced countries like Singapore, AI is seen as a catalyst for progress, and is supported by national frameworks and AI research hubs. However, in countries like India and Indonesia, where digital literacy levels are more varied, media narratives present a more complex picture, resulting in a range of public opinions. Understanding these factors is crucial for contextualising the public perception of AI in these regions. 

In ‘The Effect of Information Seeking Behavior on Trust in AI in Asia: The Moderating Role of Misinformation Concern’ (New Media & Society, 2023), Associate Professor Taberez Ahmed Neyazi (NUS Communications and New Media), Tan Khai Ee (NUS Communications and New Media), Arif Nadaf (Islamic University of Science & Technology), and Ralph Schroeder (University of Oxford) conducted a cross-national survey across Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and India to assess the relationship between information-seeking behaviour and trust in AI. They found that in all four countries, individuals who actively sought information about AI on social media tended to have higher levels of trust in AI.  

Interestingly, a similar positive relationship between trust in AI and information-seeking behaviour through traditional media was observed only in Singapore. This suggests that traditional media continues to be a credible and trusted source for AI-related news and information there. The positive association between information seeking behaviour about AI on social media and trust in AI can be explained by the recent surge in AI adoption across Asia-Pacific (APAC) countries, as increased engagement with AI topics through both social and traditional media may contribute to greater public trust in the technology. 

As news coverage often relies on industry sources, it is paramount for news outlets to incorporate diverse voices that will contribute to a rich and polyphonic public debate around AI. Political interests also shape media portrayals, with Western media’s tendency to sensationalise AI risks, while countries like China are more likely to highlight the economic advantages of AI. Ideological biases can further influence how AI is perceived, with social media amplifying misinformation without necessarily undermining trust in the technology.  

Read the full article here.