The propensity to trust in (automated) technology mediates the links between technology self-efficacy and fear and acceptance of artificial intelligence

Abstract

The present study investigated the extent to which the concepts of the individual tendency to trust in (automated) technology, technology self-efficacy, accepting/fearing artificial intelligence and trust in AI overlap. This research question is of relevance because trust in automation literature is rich, whereas only a few studies exist in the context of studying attitudes towards AI (and their relationship with trust in AI).To close this gap in the literature, 289 participants completed three questionnaires related to the propensity to trust in automated technology, technology self-efficacy, and attitudes towards artificial intelligence (ATAI). Notably, the ATAI scale includes a single item assessing trust in AI.Results revealed robust positive correlations between the propensity to trust in (automated) technology, technology self-efficacy and ATAI's acceptance scale (including a positive association on single item level regarding trusting AI). Regarding the ATAI's fear scale, negative correlations with trust in automated technology and technology self-efficacy were observed. Mediation models are also reported in this study.Our work shows that the construct of trust in automated technology and attitudes towards AI (including the AI trust item) overlap small to moderate (in terms of effect sizes). This means that some of the existing research insights in the domain of the propensity to trust in automation might be transferred to the psychological foundation of attitudes and the interaction with artificial intelligence. However, it is also clear that considerable non-shared (unique) variance exists between the constructs, making it necessary to further understand how positive and negative attitudes towards AI are formed.