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The relation between openness to experience and AI acceptance among university students: the chain mediation role of AI trust and AI anxiety

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: To explore the relationship between openness to experience and artificial intelligence (AI) acceptance, as well as its underlying mechanisms, this study utilized the openness to experience dimension of the Big Five Personality Scale, the AI Trust Scale, the AI Anxiety Scale, and the AI Acceptance Scale to survey 716 university students. The findings revealed that: (1) openness to experience positively predicts AI acceptance; (2) AI trust mediates the relationship between openness to experience and AI acceptance; (3) AI anxiety does not play a significant mediating role in the relationship between openness to experience and AI acceptance; and (4) AI trust and AI anxiety jointly act as chain mediators in the relationship between openness to experience and AI acceptance. This study clarifies the roles of AI trust and AI anxiety in the relationship between openness to experience and AI acceptance, providing important insights into the psychological factors influencing AI acceptance and ways to enhance it.

Source: Current Psychology

DOI: 10.1007/s12144-026-09041-5

Authors: Zhenli Jiang, Hongbo Guo, Kaizhen Kong, Ming Zhao, Shuna Li

Institution: Shandong University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Technology Adoption and User Behaviour

Subfield: Information Systems and Management

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,390

OpenAlex ID: W7130319595