Attitudes Toward AI, AI Self-Efficacy, and AI Adoption: A Survey of Media Students in Afghanistan and Pakistan

We conducted an online survey with undergraduate students in Afghanistan and Pakistan, two neighboring countries in South Asia, to examine their perspectives and attitudes toward generative artificial intelligence (AI). In particular, we analyzed their self-efficacy regarding learning about AI, experiences with AI tools, and intention to adopt AI in their learning and daily lives. University students in Afghanistan and Pakistan demonstrated mixed attitudes toward AI, simultaneously expressing both optimism and concern regarding AI-related technology. While students from both countries exhibited many similarities, their attitudes were interestingly different regarding the benefits and threats of AI. Our research also identified factors affecting AI self-efficacy and intention to learn about AI among Pakistani and Afghan students. This research helps fill a gap in the field of communication and media that lacks empirical studies on Pakistan and Afghanistan youth attitudes toward generative AI and related issues in the Global South in general.