๐Ÿง‘๐Ÿผโ€๐Ÿ’ป Research - May 21, 2025

Gender differences in artificial intelligence: the role of artificial intelligence anxiety.

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โšก Quick Summary

This study explored gender differences in the context of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, revealing that women experience higher levels of AI anxiety and lower positive attitudes toward AI compared to men. The findings suggest that AI anxiety may act as a “gender differences leveler,” impacting how both genders engage with AI technologies.

๐Ÿ” Key Details

  • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Participants: 335 adults (52.2% women; mean age = 29.96)
  • ๐Ÿ“ Methodology: Online self-report anonymous questionnaire
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Analysis: MANOVA and moderation model

๐Ÿ”‘ Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Gender differences were significant in AI adoption dimensions.
  • ๐Ÿ˜Ÿ Women reported higher levels of AI anxiety.
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Positive attitudes toward AI were lower among women.
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ AI use and perceived knowledge were also lower in women.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ AI anxiety negatively correlated with positive attitudes toward AI.
  • โš–๏ธ At low anxiety levels, women showed lower positive attitudes than men.
  • ๐Ÿ” At high anxiety levels, gender differences in attitudes were less pronounced.
  • ๐ŸŒ Findings contribute to understanding gender disparities in technology use.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Practical interventions can be developed to reduce the gender digital gap.

๐Ÿ“š Background

The rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping various aspects of daily life, yet it also raises concerns about gender-related inequalities in technology access and usage. Understanding how gender influences attitudes toward AI is crucial for fostering an inclusive digital environment. This study aims to shed light on these dynamics, particularly focusing on the role of AI anxiety.

๐Ÿ—’๏ธ Study

Conducted with a sample of 335 adults, this study utilized an online self-report questionnaire to assess participants’ levels of AI anxiety, their attitudes toward AI, and their perceived knowledge and usage of AI technologies. The research employed both MANOVA and moderation models to analyze the data and test the hypotheses regarding gender differences.

๐Ÿ“ˆ Results

The results indicated significant gender differences in AI adoption. Women exhibited higher levels of AI anxiety, which correlated with lower positive attitudes toward AI, reduced usage, and perceived knowledge. Notably, the study found that at lower levels of anxiety, women had less favorable attitudes toward AI compared to men, while at higher anxiety levels, these differences diminished.

๐ŸŒ Impact and Implications

These findings highlight the importance of addressing AI anxiety as a potential barrier to technology adoption, particularly among women. By understanding the moderating role of gender in AI engagement, stakeholders can develop targeted interventions to bridge the gender digital gap. This research underscores the need for inclusive strategies that promote equitable access to AI technologies for all genders.

๐Ÿ”ฎ Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the interplay between gender and AI anxiety, revealing that anxiety can serve as a “leveler” in gender differences regarding technology adoption. As we move forward, it is essential to continue exploring these dynamics to foster a more inclusive technological landscape. Encouraging further research in this area will be vital for developing effective strategies to enhance AI engagement across genders.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Your comments

What are your thoughts on the impact of AI anxiety on gender differences in technology adoption? We would love to hear your insights! ๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave your comments below or connect with us on social media:

Gender differences in artificial intelligence: the role of artificial intelligence anxiety.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Artificial intelligence (AI) is having a significant impact on people’s lives. Despite the benefits associated with this technological advancement, there may be gender-related inequalities in accessing and using AI systems. The present study aimed to test gender differences in factors likely to influence AI adoption, in particular, the moderating role of gender in the relationship between AI anxiety and positive attitudes toward AI.
METHOD: Participants were 335 adults (52.2% women; mean age = 29.96, SD = 13.88) who filled in an online self-report anonymous questionnaire. To test the hypotheses, both a MANOVA and a moderation model were adopted.
RESULTS: Results revealed significant gender differences in AI adoption dimensions, with women reporting higher AI anxiety, lower positive attitudes toward AI, lower use of AI, and lower perceived knowledge of AI. A significant negative relationship was found between AI anxiety and positive attitudes toward AI. An interaction between gender and AI anxiety was found: At low levels of anxiety, women showed lower levels of positive attitudes toward AI than men, while at high levels of AI anxiety, gender differences were less evident.
DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that AI anxiety works as a “gender differences leveler.” The present study contributes to expanding knowledge about gender differences in technology, which will underpin practical interventions for reducing the gender digital gap. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.

Author: [‘Russo C’, ‘Romano L’, ‘Clemente D’, ‘Iacovone L’, ‘Gladwin TE’, ‘Panno A’]

Journal: Front Psychol

Citation: Russo C, et al. Gender differences in artificial intelligence: the role of artificial intelligence anxiety. Gender differences in artificial intelligence: the role of artificial intelligence anxiety. 2025; 16:1559457. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1559457

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