Math, Media, and Machines: How Mexican Newspapers Portray Artificial Intelligence in Mathematics Education

This study explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is portrayed in relation to mathematics education in Mexican newspapers. Drawing on qualitative content analysis of nine articles published between November 2022 and March 2025 in five national newspapers (El Financiero, Excélsior, La Crónica de Hoy, La Jornada, and Milenio), the study investigates the public discourse surrounding AI's perceived advantages, drawbacks, and related concerns. Twenty excerpts were identified and coded through an open coding process. The analysis yielded four thematic categories: perceptions about AI, limitations and drawbacks, potential and usefulness, and issues of use and regulation. The findings indicate a fragmented discourse, ranging from optimism about AI's potential to support mathematics instruction—such as instant problem-solving and continuous assistance—to skepticism about its cognitive limitations and risks of student disengagement. Additionally, some excerpts reveal concern about the absence of institutional guidelines in Mexico and highlight comparisons with international efforts, such as Japan's regulatory frameworks for AI in schools. These concerns echo historical tensions around the introduction of other digital technologies in mathematics education. The study concludes that media portrayals reflect broader uncertainties about the pedagogical and institutional readiness to integrate AI meaningfully. It underscores the need to include teachers and educational researchers in public conversations about AI. It emphasizes the importance of teacher preparation and professional development for ethical and effective AI use in mathematics education.