Trends and Public Perception of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging: A Social Media Analysis

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical imaging has generated significant interest and debate among healthcare professionals, researchers, and the general public. This study aims to explore trends and public perception of AI in medical imaging by analyzing social media discussions. Using a retrospective content analysis approach, social media posts from X (formerly known as Twitter) and Reddit were collected, covering discussions from 2019 to 2024. A total of 1,022 posts were analyzed after data cleaning, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods to examine sentiment, themes, and keyword frequencies. The sentiment analysis revealed that 55% of the comments expressed positive sentiments towards AI in medical imaging, emphasizing its potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. Neutral sentiments accounted for 35% of the posts, while 10% expressed negative sentiments, primarily focusing on concerns related to job displacement, ethical issues, and data privacy. Thematic analysis identified four primary themes: ethical and privacy concerns, job displacement, trust and reliability, and workflow efficiency. Keyword frequency analysis highlighted significant discussions around AI, imaging, and radiology. The results underscore both the optimism and concerns associated with AI in medical imaging, emphasizing the need for ongoing dialogue among technology developers, healthcare providers, and the public. Addressing ethical and privacy concerns, and integrating AI responsibly into clinical workflows, is crucial for maximizing its benefits and minimizing potential risks. These findings provide valuable insights into public perceptions and inform strategies for the effective and ethical implementation of AI technologies in healthcare.