Understand the impact of positive and negative information on public opinion about autonomous vehicles among young Ecuadorians

Technological advances have accelerated the development of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in recent years. AVs offer several potential benefits, such as improving road safety, fuel efficiency, traffic flow and reducing greenhouse gases. The problem is that while AVs offer potential benefits, they also present ethical challenges and concerns, and there is a lack of research on public perceptions specifically among young Ecuadorians, who are heavy technology consumers. In this context, this study aimed to analyze the attitudes and perceptions of young Ecuadorians towards AVs by presenting them with positive and negative information about AVs. More than 500 surveys were collected using the snowball technique in the community of the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL), which is located in a city in the south of the country. The survey looked at their perceptions before and after they were presented with positive and negative information about AVs. The study found gender and driving frequency differences in the perception of (AVs, with women exhibiting greater reductions in their opinions and confidence levels about AVs compared to men, and overall, there was a slight decline in opinion towards AVs, accompanied by increased concerns about AVs travel. Driving frequency had an impact on perception and concerns. This type of study allows for a better understanding of the perceived benefits and concerns regarding AVs adoption in Ecuador.