(Mis)conceptions and perceptions of artificial intelligence: A scoping review

With the increasing development of Artificial intelligence (AI), AI has infiltrated our daily lives.Understanding individuals’ AI perceptions and misconceptions is crucial as their beliefs not onlyinfluence how they employ AI technology but also inform the design of effective programs toenhance AI literacy. This study aims to uncover patterns of AI-related (mis)conceptions amongindividuals from various disciplines but without an AI-related background. Forty-five articleswere reviewed, and the results revealed 19 themes and categorized into: “What is AI”, “How doesAI work”, “Fears of AI”, and “Hopes for AI”. Different patterns of misconceptions betweendifferent age groups are discussed and nine factors that can influence the formation of(mis)conceptions have also been identified. The findings of this study can benefit AI researchersand educators in customizing AI training programs that cater to the unique AI beliefs held bydifferent learning groups. Implications for teaching AI literacy are then proposed.