Unraveling Fear, Cultivating Awareness: A Research Proposal for Alleviating AI Concerns and Guiding Ethical Adoption

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize industries and transform societal operations, yet public apprehension concerning its risks poses a significant barrier to its adoption. This research leverages behavior change theories to develop strategies that mitigate perceived risks and address ethical concerns surrounding AI. By investigating the psychological underpinnings of AI-related fears and implementing intervention scenarios, this study aims to enhance informed decision-making and promote informed acceptance and ethical judgment of AI. Through a comparative analysis involving participants from the United Kingdom (UK) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the research seeks to uncover demographic and cultural factors influencing perceptions of AI risks and ethics. The findings are expected to provide actionable recommendations for AI developers, policymakers, and stakeholders, focusing on transparency, ethical practices, and public trust in AI technologies. This study contributes to the broader discourse on responsible AI adoption, offering insights that could influence both academic research and practical applications in the field. As a potential approach, Inoculation Theory can be utilized within this framework to further understand and address AI-related concerns.