Communicative AI in the scientific public sphere: An analysis of Twitter discourse on generative AI tools

Jiyoun Suk; Yini Zhang; Jiawei Liu; Yukyung Yang

doi:10.1016/j.tele.2025.102261

Communicative AI in the scientific public sphere: An analysis of Twitter discourse on generative AI tools

Jiyoun Suk
, Yini Zhang
, Jiawei Liu
, Yukyung Yang

Communication

University of Connecticut
University of Florida
Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Drawing on the concept of the scientific public sphere, this study examines the public sense-making of communicative AI (e.g., generative AI) on social media. Advancing a framework encompassing cognitive (technology vs. use) and affective (positive vs. negative) dimensions of the public discourse on communicative AI, we analyzed global Twitter (now X) conversations about generative AI tools. Findings showed that the text generator (ChatGPT) discussions centered more on the technology-centered themes, whereas the image generator discussions emphasized their uses. ChatGPT received mixed sentiments in technology-related discussions, while there was more positive sentiment about the its uses. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Original language	English
Article number	102261
Journal	Telematics and Informatics
Volume	98
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tele.2025.102261
State	Published - Apr 2025

Keywords

Diffusion of innovation
Generative artificial intelligence
Scientific public sphere
Social media

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10.1016/j.tele.2025.102261

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title = "Communicative AI in the scientific public sphere: An analysis of Twitter discourse on generative AI tools",

abstract = "Drawing on the concept of the scientific public sphere, this study examines the public sense-making of communicative AI (e.g., generative AI) on social media. Advancing a framework encompassing cognitive (technology vs. use) and affective (positive vs. negative) dimensions of the public discourse on communicative AI, we analyzed global Twitter (now X) conversations about generative AI tools. Findings showed that the text generator (ChatGPT) discussions centered more on the technology-centered themes, whereas the image generator discussions emphasized their uses. ChatGPT received mixed sentiments in technology-related discussions, while there was more positive sentiment about the its uses. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.",

keywords = "Diffusion of innovation, Generative artificial intelligence, Scientific public sphere, Social media",

author = "Jiyoun Suk and Yini Zhang and Jiawei Liu and Yukyung Yang",

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AU - Zhang, Yini

AU - Liu, Jiawei

AU - Yang, Yukyung

PY - 2025/4

Y1 - 2025/4

N2 - Drawing on the concept of the scientific public sphere, this study examines the public sense-making of communicative AI (e.g., generative AI) on social media. Advancing a framework encompassing cognitive (technology vs. use) and affective (positive vs. negative) dimensions of the public discourse on communicative AI, we analyzed global Twitter (now X) conversations about generative AI tools. Findings showed that the text generator (ChatGPT) discussions centered more on the technology-centered themes, whereas the image generator discussions emphasized their uses. ChatGPT received mixed sentiments in technology-related discussions, while there was more positive sentiment about the its uses. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

AB - Drawing on the concept of the scientific public sphere, this study examines the public sense-making of communicative AI (e.g., generative AI) on social media. Advancing a framework encompassing cognitive (technology vs. use) and affective (positive vs. negative) dimensions of the public discourse on communicative AI, we analyzed global Twitter (now X) conversations about generative AI tools. Findings showed that the text generator (ChatGPT) discussions centered more on the technology-centered themes, whereas the image generator discussions emphasized their uses. ChatGPT received mixed sentiments in technology-related discussions, while there was more positive sentiment about the its uses. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

KW - Diffusion of innovation

KW - Generative artificial intelligence

KW - Scientific public sphere

KW - Social media

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/86000799576

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DO - 10.1016/j.tele.2025.102261

M3 - Article

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SN - 0736-5853

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JO - Telematics and Informatics

JF - Telematics and Informatics

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ER -

Communicative AI in the scientific public sphere: An analysis of Twitter discourse on generative AI tools

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Keywords

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