Middle School Students’ Attitudes toward Artificial Intelligence and Their Awareness and Usage Tendencies

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine how middle school students’ attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI), as well as their awareness and usage tendencies, differ across various variables. The study was conducted with a total of 437 students enrolled in the 5th and 6th grades. A quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing a survey model. Data were collected through a Demographic Information Form, the Attitude toward Artificial Intelligence Scale, and the Artificial Intelligence Awareness and Usage Tendencies Scale. The findings revealed that students’ attitudes toward AI and their awareness and usage tendencies were at a moderate level, while their basic knowledge of AI was at a high level. According to gender-based analyses, male students scored significantly higher than female students in both attitudes and awareness and usage tendencies. In addition, 5th-grade students demonstrated significantly higher AI attitude scores than 6th-grade students. No significant differences were found based on daily technology usage time. The results indicate that although middle school students possess knowledge about AI, this knowledge does not sufficiently translate into actual usage and experience. In line with these findings, it is recommended to design and implement learning environments that support students in using AI more effectively.