Public Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence in Cultural and Media Content: A Field Study of 500 Arab Participants

As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies rapidly integrate into cultural and media content production, questions arise about how the Arab public perceives, trusts, and engages with AI-generated content. This study investigates the perceptions of 500 participants from across the Arab world through a structured survey focusing on awareness, trust, cultural values, and the influence of algorithms on media behavior. Results show a clear discrepancy between the high algorithmic influence on user behavior and the low levels of trust in AI-generated content. Moreover, the findings reveal substantial concerns about cultural identity preservation and the authenticity of AI content. This paper concludes with practical recommendations for ensuring responsible use of AI in Arab media ecosystems.