Artificial Intelligence is like…: Nursing Students' Perceptions Through Textual and Visual Metaphors

Ayşe Çiçek Korkmaz; Serap Altuntaş

doi:10.38088/jise.1665195

Artificial Intelligence is like…: Nursing Students' Perceptions Through Textual and Visual Metaphors

Abstract

The rapid advancement of technology has positioned artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative force in nursing education and clinical practice. Nursing students' perceptions of AI are critical to its meaningful integration into their learning experiences and future professional roles. This study explored these perceptions through textual and visual metaphors. Conducted in 2023 with 270 nursing students, the study involved collecting AI-related metaphors and corresponding illustrations. Using metaphor analysis, the data were categorized into three overarching themes: positive, negative, and dual-impact metaphors. Positive metaphors reflected AI’s human-like abilities, controllability, technological advancement, accessibility to information, facilitation of learning, and undiscovered potential. Negative metaphors emphasized concerns such as loss of control, lack of emotion, dependency, and diminished human effort. Dual-impact metaphors captured both the advantages and potential risks of AI. The metaphor “robot” emerged as the most frequently used, emphasizing students’ perception of AI as a functional and efficient assistant. The findings revealed a clear progression in perceptions across grade levels. First-year students tended to express simpler and more concrete views, while senior students demonstrated more critical, multidimensional, and abstract perspectives. Such a developmental trajectory suggests that academic progression fosters deeper reflection and critical awareness regarding AI. Higher-grade students were more likely to highlight ethical, emotional, and professional implications of AI use in nursing. This study highlights that nursing students develop a balanced awareness of AI, acknowledging both its benefits and challenges. These insights underline the importance of tailoring AI-related content in nursing education to different academic levels. Understanding these perceptions can guide the integration of AI into nursing education, ensuring that students are prepared to engage with AI in a thoughtful and informed manner.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

This study was supported by the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of the University of Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University under the project number BAP-23-1004-005.

Ethical Statement

Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University of Non-Interventional Research Ethics Committee for Health Sciences (Decision no: 2022-151-02, date: October 18, 2022)

Thanks

We would like to thank all the students who contributed to this study and the University Scientific Research Projects (BAP) Coordination Unit for their support in conducting this research.

References

[1] Jiang, F., Jiang, Y., Zhi, H., et al. (2017). Artificial intelligence in healthcare: past, present, and future. Stroke and Vascular Neurology, 2: 230–243. https://doi.org/10.1136/svn-2017-000101
[2] Pepito, J. A., & Locsin, R. (2019). Can nurses remain relevant in a technologically advanced future?. International journal of nursing sciences, 6(1), 106-110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2018.09.013
[3] Bini, SA. (2018). Artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and cognitive computing: what do these terms mean, and how will they impact health care? The Journal of Arthroplasty, 33(8): 2358–2361. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2018.02.067
[4] Şendir, M., Şimşekoğlu, N., Kaya, A., Sümer, K. (2019). Nursing in Future Technology. University of Health Sciences Journal of Nursing, 1(3): 209-214 Google Scholar
[5] González-Calatayud, V., Prendes-Espinosa, P., & Roig-Vila, R. (2021). Artificial intelligence for student assessment: A systematic review. Applied sciences, 11(12), 5467. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11125467
[6] Labrague, L. J., et al. (2023). Student nurses' attitudes, perceived utilization, and intention to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) technology in nursing practice: A cross-sectional study. Nurse Education in Practice, 73, 103815. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2023.103815
[7] De Gagne, J. C. (2023). The state of artificial intelligence in nursing education: Past, present, and future directions. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(6), 4884. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064884
[8] Ma, J., Wen, J., Qiu, Y., Wang, Y., Xiao, Q., Liu, T., ... & Sun, Z. (2025). The role of artificial intelligence in shaping nursing education: A comprehensive systematic review. Nurse Education in Practice, 104345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2025.104345

[9] Benfatah, M., Youlyouz-Marfak, I., Saad, E., Hilali, A., Nejjari, C., & Marfak, A. (2024). Impact of artificial intelligence-enhanced debriefing on clinical skills development in nursing students: A comparative study. Teaching and Learning in Nursing, 19(3), e574-e579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.teln.2024.04.007
[10] Lifshits, I., & Rosenberg, D. (2024). Artificial intelligence in nursing education: A scoping review. Nurse Education in Practice, 104148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2024.104148
[11] O'Connor, S., Permana, A. F., Neville, S., & Denis-Lalonde, D. (2023). Artificial intelligence in nursing education 2: Opportunities and threats. Nursing Times, 119(11), 28–32.
[12] Glauberman, G., Ito-Fujita, A., Katz, S., & Callahan, J. (2023). Artificial intelligence in nursing education: opportunities and challenges. Hawai'i Journal of Health & Social Welfare, 82(12), 302. 38093763
[13] Dos Santos, D. P., et al. (2019). Medical Students' Attitudes towards Artificial Intelligence: A Multicentre Survey. Eur Radiol, 29(4): 1640–6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-018-5601-1
[14] Fan, K.Y., Hu, R., & Singla, R. (2020). Introductory machine learning for medical students: A pilot. Medical Education, 54: 1042–1080. https://doi.org/10.1111/medu.14318
[15] Yılmaz, Y., et al. (2021). Artificial Intelligence and The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Health: Opinions of Health Sciences Students. Suleyman Demirel University Journal of Health Sciences, 12(3): 297-308. https://doi.org/10.22312/sdusbed.950372
[16] Kaş, C., Çakır, F. Ö., & Kocatürk, İ. (2024). Evaluation of aspiration risk by relatives of inpatients in the neurology service: A metaphor analysis. Health Expectations, 27(1), e13883. https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13883
[17] Lim, E. M. (2024). Metaphor analysis on pre-service early childhood teachers’ conception of AI (Artificial Intelligence) education for young children. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 51, 101455. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2023.101455
[18] Swan, B. A. (2021). Assessing the Knowledge and Attitudes of Registered Nurses about Artificial Intelligence in Nursing and Health Care. Nursing Economic$, 39(3). https://doi.org/10.62116/nec.2021.39.3.139
[19] Saçan, S., Yaralı, K. T., & Kavruk, S. Z. (2022). Investigation of metaphorical perceptions of children on the concept of "Artificial Intelligence. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty, 64: 274-296. https://doi.org/10.21764/maeuefd.1074024
[20] Ağmaz, R. F., & Ergulec, F. (2024). Perceptions of Teacher Candidates on Artificial Intelligence in Education- A Metaphorical Analysis. Journal of Necmettin Erbakan University Ereğli Faculty of Education, 6(2), 589-605. https://doi.org/10.51119/ereegf.2024.97
[21] Erdoğan, Ş., & Bozkurt, E. (2023). Examining the Perceptions of Prospective Physics Teachers on the Concept of “Artificial Intelligence: A Metaphor Study Journal of Civilization and Society, 7(2), 152-163.
[22] Uçkun, C. G., & Konak, O. (2023). Uçkun, C. G., & Konak, O. (2023). Vocational School Students' Metaphorical Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence Concept. TURAN-SAM, 15(60), 45-49. http://dx.doi.org/10.15189/1308-8041
[23] Vatansever, A. N. (2024). A Comparatıve Qualıtatıve Research on Unıversıty Students' Metaphors and Vıews on the Concept of Artıfıcıal Intellıgence (Master's thesis, Marmara Universitesi (Turkey)).
[24] Hoşgör, D. G., Güngördü, H., & Hoşgör, H. (2023). Health Professionals' Views on Artificial Intelligence: A Metaphorical Research. Al-Farabi International Journal on Social Sciences, 8(1), 71-87. http://dx.doi.org/10.46291/Al-Farabi.080105
[25] Güzelgörür, F., & Çevik-Sever, R. (2025). Examination of Gifted Students' Metaphorical Perceptions Towards the Concept of Artificial Intelligence. Journal of Pedagogical Research in Education, 1(1), 1-19.
[26] Yıldırım, A., & Şimşek, H. (2016). Qualitative Research Methods in Social Sciences. Ankara: Seçkin Google Scholar
[27] Yılmaz, Ş., & Güven, G. Ö. (2021). Metaphorical Perceptions of Nursing Students About the “Nurse” Concept. Eurasian JHS, 4(3): 170-178. https://doi.org/10.53493/avrasyasbd.871565
[28] Ghazinoory, S., & Aghaei, P. (2024). Metaphor research as a research strategy in the social sciences and humanities. Quality & Quantity, 58(1), 227–248. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-023-01641-8
[29] Aydın, S., Duman, E., Bertiz, Y. & Birişçi, S. (2022). Investigation of the effects of computer-aided animations on conceptual understanding through metaphors: An example of artificial intelligence. Journal of Educational Technology & Online Learning, 5(4): 1140-1159. https://doi.org/10.31681/jetol.1151460
[30] Cameron, L., & Maslen, R. (2010). Metaphor analysis: Research practice in applied linguistics, social sciences, and the humanities. London: Equinox. Google Scholar
[31] Moser, K.S. (2000). Metaphor analysis in psychology: method, theory, and fields of application. Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 1(2). https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-1.2.1090
[32] Saban A. (2009). Prospective teachers’ mental images about the concept of student. Türk Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi, 7:281–326 Google Scholar
[33] Miles, M B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: An expanded Sourcebook. (2nd ed). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Google Scholar
[34] Adams, C., Pente, P., Lemermeyer, G., & Rockwell, G. (2023). Ethical principles for artificial intelligence in K-12 education. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 4, 100131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2023.100131
[35] Brasse, J., et al. (2023). Explainable artificial intelligence in information systems: A review of the status quo and future research directions. Electronic Markets, 33(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-023-00644-5
[36] Chen, L., Chen, P., & Lin, Z. (2020). Artificial intelligence in education: A review. IEEE Access, 8: 75264-75278. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2020.2988510
[37] Fuller, S. The brain as artificial intelligence: prospecting the frontiers of neuroscience. AI & Soc 34: 825–833 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-018-0820-1
[38] Gherheș V., & Obrad C., (2018). Technical and Humanities Students’ Perspectives on the Development and Sustainability of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Sustainability, 10(9), 3066. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10093066
[39] Bharathi, B., Jacob, A. S., Caspillo, I. J., Daoala, A. L. C., Alanazi, H. A., Alanazi, H. M., Alanazi, R. A., & Alruwaili, F. F. (2025). Perception of nursing students on artificial intelligence and its role in nursing. South Eastern European Journal of Public Health (SEEJPH), 26(S1). ISSN: 2197-5248
[40] Khlaif, Z. N., Salameh, N., Ajouz, M., Mousa, A., Itmazi, J., Alwawi, A., & Alkaissi, A. (2025). Using Generative AI in nursing education: Students’ perceptions. BMC Medical Education, 25(1), 926. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07416-z
[41] Cherrez-Ojeda, I., Gallardo-Bastidas, J. C., Robles-Velasco, K., Osorio, M. F., Vélez León, E. M., León Velastegui, M., ... & Faytong-Haro, M. (2024). Understanding health care students’ perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes toward AI-Powered Language models: Cross-sectional study. JMIR Medical Education, 10, e51757. https://mededu.jmir.org/2024/1/e51757
[42] Berente, N., Gu, B., Recker, J., & Santhanam, R. (2021). Managing artificial intelligence. MIS Quarterly, 45(3). https://doi.org/10.25300/MISQ/2021/16274
[43] Han, S., Kang, H. S., Gimber, P., & Lim, S. (2025). Nursing students’ perceptions and use of generative artificial intelligence in nursing education. Nursing Reports, 15(2), 68. https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15020068
[44] Tegmark, M. (2019). Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. London: Penguin Books. Google Scholar
[45] McAfee, A., &. Brynjolfsson, E. (2017). Machine, platform, crowd: Harnessing our digital future. E Book. WW New York: Norton & Company, 564. Google Scholar
[46] Nezhad, M. S., Abdi, A., & Ahmadi, M. (2025). Exploring the experiences and perceptions of nursing students in utilizing artificial intelligence: a descriptive phenomenological study. BMC nursing, 24(1), 740. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03392-3
[47] Floridi, L. (2014). The Fourth Revolution: How the infosphere is reshaping human reality. E Book. Oxford University Press.
[48] Laux, J., Wachter, S., & Mittelstadt, B. (2023). Three Pathways for Standardisation and Ethical Disclosure by Default under the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act. SSRN Electron J. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clsr.2024.105957
[49]Shishehgar, S., Murray‐Parahi, P., Alsharaydeh, E., Mills, S., & Liu, X. (2025). Artificial Intelligence in Health Education and Practice: A Systematic Review of Health Students’ and Academics’ Knowledge, Perceptions, and Experiences. International Nursing Review, 72(2), e70045. https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.70045
[50] Božić, V. (2023). Integrated Risk Management and Artificial Intelligence in a Hospital. Journal of AI, 7(1): 63–80. https://doi.org/10.61969/jai.1329224

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Intelligent Robotics , Artificial Intelligence (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Ayşe Çiçek Korkmaz ^*
0000-0001-8184-1490
Türkiye

Serap Altuntaş
0000-0002-7695-7736
Türkiye

Early Pub Date

November 13, 2025

Publication Date

December 15, 2025

Submission Date

March 25, 2025

Acceptance Date

September 16, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 9 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.38088/jise.1665195

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA55EM69NJ

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Çiçek Korkmaz, A., & Altuntaş, S. (2025). Artificial Intelligence is like…: Nursing Students’ Perceptions Through Textual and Visual Metaphors. Journal of Innovative Science and Engineering, 9(2), 309-326. https://doi.org/10.38088/jise.1665195

AMA

1.Çiçek Korkmaz A, Altuntaş S. Artificial Intelligence is like…: Nursing Students’ Perceptions Through Textual and Visual Metaphors. JISE. 2025;9(2):309-326. doi:10.38088/jise.1665195

Chicago

Çiçek Korkmaz, Ayşe, and Serap Altuntaş. 2025. “Artificial Intelligence Is Like…: Nursing Students’ Perceptions Through Textual and Visual Metaphors”. Journal of Innovative Science and Engineering 9 (2): 309-26. https://doi.org/10.38088/jise.1665195.

EndNote

Çiçek Korkmaz A, Altuntaş S (December 1, 2025) Artificial Intelligence is like…: Nursing Students’ Perceptions Through Textual and Visual Metaphors. Journal of Innovative Science and Engineering 9 2 309–326.

IEEE

[1]A. Çiçek Korkmaz and S. Altuntaş, “Artificial Intelligence is like…: Nursing Students’ Perceptions Through Textual and Visual Metaphors”, JISE, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 309–326, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.38088/jise.1665195.

ISNAD

Çiçek Korkmaz, Ayşe - Altuntaş, Serap. “Artificial Intelligence Is Like…: Nursing Students’ Perceptions Through Textual and Visual Metaphors”. Journal of Innovative Science and Engineering 9/2 (December 1, 2025): 309-326. https://doi.org/10.38088/jise.1665195.

JAMA

1.Çiçek Korkmaz A, Altuntaş S. Artificial Intelligence is like…: Nursing Students’ Perceptions Through Textual and Visual Metaphors. JISE. 2025;9:309–326.

MLA

Çiçek Korkmaz, Ayşe, and Serap Altuntaş. “Artificial Intelligence Is Like…: Nursing Students’ Perceptions Through Textual and Visual Metaphors”. Journal of Innovative Science and Engineering, vol. 9, no. 2, Dec. 2025, pp. 309-26, doi:10.38088/jise.1665195.

Vancouver

1.Ayşe Çiçek Korkmaz, Serap Altuntaş. Artificial Intelligence is like…: Nursing Students’ Perceptions Through Textual and Visual Metaphors. JISE. 2025 Dec. 1;9(2):309-26. doi:10.38088/jise.1665195