Analysing Young Adults’ Preferences for AI-Generated and Human-Created Art in India: A Comparative Study Using the Mixed Method Approach

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool in creating art, blending computational precision with creative processes. This study explores the appeal of AI-generated art compared to human-created physical and digital art among young adults in India, particularly focusing on visual art students. Additionally, the research addresses critical questions regarding the aesthetic appreciation and criticism of AI-generated art, its impact on human creativity, and its challenges to traditional art and its future. The research employed a mixed-method approach to understand preferences, motivations, and perceptions regarding these two art forms. The Art Reception Survey (ARS) was utilised to measure individual’s engagement with visual aesthetics and their preferences. The qualitative approach using Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis (MCDA) enabled deeper analysis, which helped examine how meaning, perceptions, and visual cues must have shaped their responses. The findings indicate a strong preference for original works involving creative thought processes and artistic skills - factors that lean towards a preference for traditional artwork. The findings suggest that despite rapid advancements in AI, people still significantly value human effort and creativity. The participants also acknowledged that blending both art forms can open new avenues of opportunity for the artists. The study suggests that traditional art will likely remain highly valued and argues that AI should not be seen in opposition to conventional art but as complementary tools for artistic innovation. While human-created art remains strongly appreciated, embracing AI would be the way forward, as outright rejection may not always be feasible or beneficial.