Understanding Public Opinions toward AI in Education: A Cross-Platform Discourse Analysis of Social Media Comments

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Abstract

This study investigates public perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) in education through a comparative discourse analysis of 150 user comments from Reddit, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Guided by Social Representation Theory, the research explores how different online communities express support, skepticism, or critique regarding AI’s educational role. Thematic and linguistic coding revealed that 59% of comments were positive, with “Embracing”, attitudinal stance. Motivations for support included practical assistance, personalization, innovation, and engagement. Negative perceptions (26%) focused on concerns such as learning impairments, errors, and ethics. LinkedIn was professional and analytical, Reddit reflective and authentic, and Twitter concise and emotional. Findings highlight how public attitudes toward AI are shaped by individual beliefs and by the cultural norms and platform communication dynamics.

Author

• Ceren Gokmen, Texas Tech University