Responsibility and AI: exploring technology acceptance models

This exploratory study aimed to identify new predictors of the acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI) among students by comparing the effectiveness of three models: the technology acceptance, unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, and value-based adoption model. A quantitative and cross-sectional computer-assisted web interview survey was administered to 2098 university students between December 2023 and January 2024. Linear regression analysis was performed. The key contribution of the study is its introduction of the responsibility variable as a new factor that significantly increases the explanatory power of the examined models. This finding necessitates the inclusion of technology-related ethical and social aspects as an update to the existing theoretical framework. This paper offers a new perspective on the intersection of technology acceptance and responsibility, thus providing a basis for strategising and policymaking to support the implementation of AI in line with social values.