Perceptions and paradigms: An analysis of AI framing in trending social media news

Artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms society, yet it remains a controversial and ethically charged innovation. While news media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and acceptance, existing research primarily focuses on traditional news outlets, neglecting the growing influence of social media platforms. Additionally, few studies further dissect journalistic AI frames by deconstructing the framing patterns of different social groups. Using a qualitative content analysis approach, we examine general journalistic frames in the trending news reports on social media and the specific frames reflected in quotes attributed to various social groups. We identify seven distinct AI frames, ranging from optimistic to pessimistic portrayals. Our findings also reveal significant variations in how different social groups–including scientists, managers, researchers, policymakers, adopters, and those affected–interpret AI. These discrepancies highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of journalistic narratives surrounding this transformative technology. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how AI is framed in the digital age, offering valuable insights for policymakers, communicators, and researchers interested in the social and ethical implications of AI.