Rethinking human excellence in the AI age: The relationship between intellectual humility and attitudes toward ChatGPT

Abstract

Previous research has shown that the AI (artificial intelligence) sensation often provokes mixed feelings in people who gain exposure to it. We theorize that intellectual humility, which is the awareness of the fallibility of one's beliefs, opinions, and knowledge, can increase participants' openness to experiences, and consequently promote acceptance of ChatGPT. In four studies involving a total of 943 participants from various populations (students and general adults), different measurement methods (self-report and behavioral outcome variables), and diverse research designs (correlational and experimental approaches), we found consistent evidence that intellectual humility were associated with more favorable attitudes toward ChatGPT. In Study 1, we observed that Chinese university students with higher levels of intellectual humility were more accepting of ChatGPT. Study 2 used a behavioral measure and found that participants with higher levels of intellectual humility were more likely to select texts generated by ChatGPT. Employing a more diverse population and an experimental design, Study 3 demonstrate a causal link between intellectual humility and acceptance of AI. Study 4 further revealed that the effect was mediated by openness to experiences. These findings provided the first experimental observation that intellectual humility plays a critical role in embracing emerging technologies in the AI age.