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Do I spy AI? The impact of AI-generated images on trust and donation behaviors

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the business landscape in countless ways. This research examines the role of AI-generated images in business applications, an area that has received less attention relative to other business-related AI technologies. The results of three experimental studies indicate that people can tell the difference between real and AI-generated images and that the former leads to increased levels of trust. Our findings further show that in charitable settings, real (versus AI-generated) images increase donation intentions and amount through the mediating influence of trust. This empirical and conceptual evidence offers valuable insights to businesses that are considering incorporating AI-generated images.

Source: First Monday

DOI: 10.5210/fm.v30i4.13799

Authors: Lisa Monahan, Megan Martin, Anna Zaitsev, Valerie Bartelt, Abdul Rahman Noordeen

Institutions: University of Tampa, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Kennesaw State University

Language: English

Topic: AI in Service Interactions

Subfield: Artificial Intelligence

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4409326385

FWCI: 2.136

Cites: 19

Cited by: 5

Related to: 10