Abstract

This study investigates public perceptions of Generative AI by analyzing over 65,000 YouTube comments using sentiment analysis and topic modeling techniques. Sentiment analysis using the VADER model reveals a predominantly positive public sentiment, while semantic analysis with Top2Vec uncovers 30 key topics, including AI’s impact on humanity, education, ethics, and the workforce. Findings indicate both optimism and concern, reflecting a nuanced public discourse shaped by technological, ethical, and social considerations. Extracted topics are analyzed through the lens of Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory to understand how public attitudes align with patterns of technology adoption. This research attempts to contribute to a deeper understanding of how Generative AI is perceived by the public and provide insights for developers, educators, and policymakers seeking to guide responsible and inclusive AI integration.

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