How Scientific Consensus Messaging Promotes Public Support for Socially Good AI: The Moderating Role of Collective Scientific Efficacy

This study investigated how scientific consensus messaging influences public support for socially good artificial intelligence (AI), drawing on the gateway belief model. Two preregistered experiments found that consensus messages increased support for AI research and willingness to raise awareness indirectly through increasing perceived consensus, which enhanced favorable beliefs and hope. These effects varied by collective scientific efficacy—perceived ability of scientists to work together effectively. Belief-based pathways were stronger under low efficacy, while hope-based pathways were stronger under high efficacy. Findings underscore the value of combining consensus and efficacy cues in science communication to promote engagement with emerging technologies like AI.