Artificial Intelligence, News-Finds-Me Perception, and Perceived Informedness: Evidence from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic

This study examines how artificial intelligence (AI) influences perceived informedness and evaluates the role of the News-Finds-Me Perception (NFM) in algorithmically mediated environments. Using a sample of 400 respondents from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that AI significantly predicts perceived informedness, while NFM does not have a significant effect. Additionally, AI does not significantly influence NFM, suggesting that algorithmic exposure operates independently of passive news consumption beliefs. Social media exposure shows a significant but limited effect on NFM. These findings challenge the relevance of NFM as a mediating mechanism in AI-driven information environments. The study contributes to information systems literature by demonstrating that algorithmic systems directly shape perceptions of being informed, bypassing traditional passive news consumption processes.