Differences in attitudes and motivation for acquiring skills to work with artificial intelligence
Differences in attitudes and motivation for acquiring skills to work with artificial intelligence

Summary/Abstract: As artificial intelligence (AI) advances, there is a growing need for new skills to engage with the technology. However, attitudes and motivations for adapting to AI can vary widely among different demographic groups. This study explored factors contributing to these differences and provided guidelines for effective training strategies. We assessed attitudes toward AI using the General Attitudes toward Artificial Intelligence Scale (Schepman & Rodway, 2023) and measured motivation for AI-related skill acquisition with a developed questionnaire. Data was collected from 601 participants in Bulgaria (36.8% men, 61.7% women, 1.5% undisclosed; ages 15–68, M = 25.59, SD = 10.89) via an anonymous online survey. Findings revealed that males generally had more favorable views of AI and showed stronger motivation to learn new skills. Participants under 35 exhibited more positive attitudes, and greater knowledge of AI correlated with more favorable opinions. Positive attitudes toward AI benefits consistently predicted motivation to acquire skills, especially regarding personal growth (β = .686) and practical efficiency (β = .540). Overall, recognizing AI's benefits drives motivation across various contexts, suggesting that inclusive learning initiatives should address these demographic differences and promote equitable access to AI opportunities.

• Details
• Contents