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THE PSYCHOLOGICAL UNDERPINNINGS OF AI ACCEPTANCE: ANALYSING THE
ROLES OF PERSONALITY AND AI ANXIETY IN SHAPING ATTITUDES
ABSTRACT
The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into critical domains such as healthcare,
transportation, and employment represents a profound societal shift, making public acceptance a
pivotal factor for its successful implementation. While AI offers significant benefits, its advancement
is accompanied by public apprehension and complex moral questions. This study investigates the
psychological underpinnings of attitudes towards AI, focusing specifically on the roles of personality
traits and AI-related anxiety.
A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed, utilizing an online survey
administered to a sample of 400 South African adults. Participants completed standardized measures
assessing the Big Five personality traits, AI anxiety, and general attitudes towards AI applications. It
is hypothesized that higher levels of neuroticism will be a significant positive predictor of negative
attitudes towards AI, whereas higher levels of openness to experience will be a significant positive
predictor of favourable attitudes. Furthermore, it is predicted that higher levels of AI anxiety will be
a significant negative predictor of AI acceptance.
The findings will be analyzed to elucidate how stable individual differences and specific emotional
responses shape the public's willingness to embrace AI technologies. This research aims to provide
valuable insights for the development of targeted communication and educational strategies to foster
responsible AI integration within the unique South African context.
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL UNDERPINNINGS OF AI ACCEPTANCE: ANALYSING THE
ROLES OF PERSONALITY AND AI ANXIETY IN SHAPING ATTITUDES
ABSTRACT
The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into critical domains such as healthcare,
transportation, and employment represents a profound societal shift, making public acceptance a
pivotal factor for its successful implementation. While AI offers significant benefits, its advancement
is accompanied by public apprehension and complex moral questions. This study investigates the
psychological underpinnings of attitudes towards AI, focusing specifically on the roles of personality
traits and AI-related anxiety.
A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed, utilizing an online survey
administered to a sample of 400 South African adults. Participants completed standardized measures
assessing the Big Five personality traits, AI anxiety, and general attitudes towards AI applications. It
is hypothesized that higher levels of neuroticism will be a significant positive predictor of negative
attitudes towards AI, whereas higher levels of openness to experience will be a significant positive
predictor of favourable attitudes. Furthermore, it is predicted that higher levels of AI anxiety will be
a significant negative predictor of AI acceptance.
The findings will be analyzed to elucidate how stable individual differences and specific emotional
responses shape the public's willingness to embrace AI technologies. This research aims to provide
valuable insights for the development of targeted communication and educational strategies to foster
responsible AI integration within the unique South African context.
