Artificial Intelligence-Generated Information and Public Trust: Exploring Filipino Voters' Perceptions of Flood Control Projects
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Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated information has transformed the way citizens access, interpret, and evaluate public information, influencing public trust in government communication and infrastructure initiatives. Despite the increasing use of AI-generated content, limited qualitative studies have examined its role in shaping public trust within the context of government projects. This study explored how Artificial Intelligence-generated information shapes public trust in relation to Filipino voters' perceptions of flood control projects. Guided by Social Support Theory and Trust Theory, the study employed an exploratory qualitative research design. Eighteen (18) purposively selected Filipino registered voters participated in semi-structured interviews, and the collected narratives were analyzed using Narrative Discourse Analysis. The findings revealed that AI-generated information enhances public understanding by improving access to governance information and encouraging information verification through credible sources. It also promotes greater awareness of government transparency and accountability while fostering critical evaluation of public infrastructure projects. However, participants emphasized that public trust remains dependent on the credibility, consistency, and reliability of official information rather than on AI-generated content alone. The study concludes that Artificial Intelligence serves as a complementary informational resource that supports informed civic engagement without replacing the need for transparent government communication. The findings highlight the importance of responsible AI use and credible public communication in strengthening public trust and promoting informed participation in governance
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