Industry 5.0, Mass Media Exposure, and Human-Centric Development: Public Perceptions and Policy Alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 10

Abstract

The concept of Industry 5.0 has increasingly been articulated as a human-centred and socially responsible framework that aims to balance technical progress with respect, fairness, and inclusive development. In contrast to previous industrial frameworks that prioritise productivity, automation, and efficiency, Industry 5.0 centres development around human well-being. Although academics and international policy authorities have highlighted the concept's ethical and social foundations, little experimental research has examined how the general public interprets these principles in their daily lives. The majority of the public acknowledges development frameworks via their daily exposure to mass media and digital communication environments rather than through direct interaction with policy texts or theoretical discussions. Mediated communication is also crucial in assessing comprehension of what Industry 5.0 presents and whether it is consistent with broad social justice goals like Sustainable Development Goal 10, which is centred on reducing bias. Among 100 social media users, this study investigated the relationship between daily exposure to mass media and the general public's comprehension of Industry 5.0. Perceptions of inclusion, human relevance, social responsibility, and dehumanisation have all been examined using a standardised questionnaire with Likert-scale assessments. The findings demonstrate that, whereas exposure has increased public awareness, a deeper comprehension of human-centric principles has not always been fostered. The findings, moreover, showcase a disconnection between public understanding and policy ambitions. By highlighting the need for accessible, inclusive, and people-centred communication tactics for converting policy objectives into meaningful public understanding, the study advances research in mass communication and development.