Artificial intelligence and smart decision making in smart cities: a parallel moderated mediation approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT The growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) for decision-making in smart cities has ignited serious debates on the positive aspects and potential harms of AI in smart cities. However, research on this subject is yet to be comprehensive. While previous studies have examined the direct link between AI and smart decision-making (SDM), extant results remain unclear. Thus, using social cognitive theory and integrated fear acquisition theory, the current research examines the direct impact of AI on SDM by introducing work-life interface and lack of transparency anxiety as mediators. The study also examines the moderating role of support orientation. We rely on cross-sectional data collected from citizens of Turkey to examine the relationships. The study’s research framework was validated using 433 valid samples collected from Turkish citizens through a simple random sampling method. The findings indicate that AI has a positive impact on SDM. AI has a positive impact on work-life interface. Work life interface has a positive impact on SDM. AI has a positive impact on lack of transparency anxiety. Lack of transparency anxiety has a negative impact on SDM. Both work-life interface and lack of transparency anxiety were discovered to be effective mediators between the use of AI and SDM. The positive impact of AI on work-life interface is further enhanced at high level of support orientation. The positive impact of AI on SDM is further enhanced at high level of support orientation. The findings offer useful guides for making well-informed decisions and executing policies that are beneficial for all in smart cities.