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Study

The same AI pressure can raise or lower willingness to use AI

When employees saw the demands of AI as a challenge they could meet, they felt positive and were more willing to use AI. When they saw the demands as obstacles, they felt anxious and were less willing.

By
Last reviewed
Type of study
Repeated survey
Published
2024
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At a glance

Source
Chang, Zhang, Cai and Guo (2024). Does AI-Driven Technostress Promote or Hinder Employees’ Artificial Intelligence Adoption Intention? A Moderated Mediation Model of Affective Reactions and Technical Self-Efficacy. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 17, 413–427. doi:10.2147/prbm.s441444
How it was done
A questionnaire answered in three rounds. Participants were recruited by referral from earlier participants. Repeated survey. The same people answered questions at several points in time.
Who took part
301 employees from 11 organizations.
Where
Guangdong Province, China.

“Positive affect mediates the positive relationship between challenge technology stressors and AI adoption intention, whereas AI anxiety mediates the negative relationship between hindrance technology stressors and AI adoption intention.”

What it found

  • AI at work creates pressure. That pressure comes in two kinds.
  • Challenge pressure is a demand people feel they can meet and grow from. It produced positive feelings and a stronger intention to use AI.
  • Obstacle pressure is a demand people feel only gets in their way. It produced anxiety about AI and a weaker intention to use it.
  • Confidence in one’s own technical ability shaped both effects.

Both reactions exist in the same workforce, and can exist in the same person.

When the result holds

The study measured the intention to use AI, as stated by employees.

Limits

  • Participants were recruited by referral, so they may not be typical.

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