Abstract
This paper examined unpacking optimism versus concern: tertiary students’ multidimensional views on the rise of AI. The study was guided by four research questions and hypotheses respectively. Ex-Post-Facto using descriptive survey method was employed in the study. The study population consists of 29,000 undergraduate students of Delta State University, from which a stratified sampling technique was used to sample 398 respondents. The questionnaire titled, “Tertiary Students’ Multidimensional Views on the Rise of AI Questionnaire (TSMVRAIQ)” was validated through face and content validity. Data were analysed using means and standard deviations for research questions while hypotheses were tested using a t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a significant level of 0.05. The study found that university students from various disciplines view AI as a significant opportunity to advance educational research, enable personalized learning, and enhance data analysis accuracy. Students believe AI will positively impact society, lead to technological advancements, and benefit all demographics equally. AI literacy significantly influences students’ perceptions of AI’s social impact, driven by factors such as personal interest and engagement. Also, Students demonstrated proactive thinking and a desire for active university involvement in shaping AI development. It was thus recommended that Universities should create dedicated AI research centers that foster interdisciplinary collaboration. These centers could organize regular workshops, seminars, and hands-on projects that bring together students from various disciplines to work on AI-related challenges.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Multidimensional Views, Tertiary Students, Unpacking Optimism versus Concern.