To Fear or to Embrace? The Interplay Between Artificial Intelligence Anxiety, Attitudes, and Future Anxiety

Abstract

Abstract: As artificial intelligence (AI) systems become increasingly embedded in educational environments, they offer new efficiencies but also introduce potential psychological challenges for students. This study utilized a quantitative, cross-sectional correlational survey design to investigate relationships among AI anxiety, attitudes toward AI, and future anxiety. The sample consisted of 450 valid undergraduate participants from Sakarya University. Data were collected using the Future Anxiety Scale, the Artificial Intelligence Anxiety (AIA) Scale, and the Student Attitudes toward Artificial Intelligence Scale (SATAI). The results revealed a significant negative correlation between AI anxiety and general attitudes toward AI, and a significant positive correlation between AI anxiety and future anxiety. Specific sub-dimensions of AI anxiety, such as job displacement and sociotechnical blindness, exhibited strong positive correlations with future anxiety. Furthermore, female students reported significantly higher levels of AI anxiety and future anxiety compared to male students. Analysis of demographic variables showed a large effect size on AI anxiety, while the effects on future anxiety and attitudes toward AI remained small. Students with previous AI experience and active paid subscriptions demonstrated significantly more adaptable attitudes. These findings highlight how technological uncertainties can shape the future outlook of university students. The study concludes that higher education institutions should develop targeted strategies to foster psychological preparedness and mitigate the negative impact of artificial intelligence anxiety on the next generation of professionals.

Keywords

• Artificial Intelligence Attitude
• Artificial Intelligence Anxiety
• Future Anxiety
• University Students.

Supporting Institution

No financial support was received from any institution or organization for this research.

Ethical Statement

Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Sakarya University (Date: June 23, 2025, Decision No: 47/24). The data collection process was carried out in September 2025, following the ethical approval. The study was conducted in full compliance with scientific research and publication ethics, and informed voluntary consent was obtained from all participants.

Thanks

Araştırmamıza gönüllü olarak katılım sağlayan ve değerli görüşleriyle veri toplama sürecine katkıda bulunan Sakarya Üniversitesi öğrencilerine teşekkür ederiz.

Korku mu, Kabul mü? Yapay Zeka Kaygısı, Tutumları ve Gelecek Kaygısı Arasındaki Etkileşim

Abstract

Özet: Yapay zeka (YZ) teknolojilerinin gelişimi, bu sistemleri eğitim ekosistemlerine derinlemesine entegre ederek hem artan verimliliği hem de olası psikolojik sonuçları beraberinde getirmiştir. Bu çalışma; yapay zeka kaygısı, YZ’ye yönelik tutumlar ve gelecek kaygısı arasındaki ilişkileri araştırmak için nicel, kesitsel korelasyonel bir tarama deseni kullanmıştır. Örneklem, Sakarya Üniversitesi'nden 450 geçerli lisans öğrencisinden oluşmaktadır. Veriler; Gelecek Kaygısı Ölçeği, Yapay Zeka Kaygısı Ölçeği (YZKÖ) ve Öğrencilerin Yapay Zekaya Yönelik Tutumları Ölçeği (ÖYZTÖ) kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Sonuçlar, YZ kaygısı ile YZ’ye yönelik genel tutumlar arasında anlamlı düzeyde negatif bir korelasyon ve YZ kaygısı ile gelecek kaygısı arasında anlamlı düzeyde pozitif bir korelasyon olduğunu ortaya koymuştur. İş kaybı ve sosyoteknik körlük gibi YZ kaygısının belirli alt boyutları, gelecek kaygısı ile güçlü pozitif korelasyonlar göstermiştir. Ayrıca kadın öğrenciler, erkek öğrencilere göre anlamlı düzeyde daha yüksek YZ kaygısı ve gelecek kaygısı bildirmişlerdir. Demografik değişkenlerin analizi, YZ kaygısı üzerinde büyük bir etki büyüklüğü gösterirken; gelecek kaygısı ve YZ’ye yönelik tutumlar üzerindeki etkiler küçük kalmıştır. Önceki YZ deneyimi olan ve aktif ücretli aboneliği bulunan öğrenciler anlamlı derecede daha uyumlu tutumlar sergilemişlerdir. Bu bulgular, teknolojik belirsizliklerin üniversite öğrencilerinin gelecek bakış açısını nasıl şekillendirdiğini vurgulamaktadır. Çalışma, yükseköğretim kurumlarının psikolojik hazırlığı teşvik etmek ve yapay zeka kaygısının gelecek nesil profesyoneller üzerindeki olumsuz etkilerini azaltmak için hedefe yönelik stratejiler geliştirmesi gerektiği sonucuna varmaktadır.

Keywords

• Yapay Zeka Tutumu
• Yapay Zeka Kaygısı
• Gelecek Kaygısı
• Üniversite Öğrencileri

Supporting Institution

Bu araştırma için herhangi bir kurum veya kuruluştan finansal destek alınmamıştır.

Ethical Statement

Bu çalışma için gerekli etik kurul izni Sakarya Üniversitesi Etik Kurulu'ndan alınmıştır (Tarih: 23.06.2025, Karar No: 47/24). Araştırmanın veri toplama süreci, etik onay tarihini takiben 2025 yılı Eylül ayında gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışma, bilimsel araştırma ve yayın etiği kurallarına tam uygunluk içerisinde yürütülmüş olup, araştırmaya katılan tüm bireylerden bilgilendirilmiş gönüllü onam alınmıştır.

Thanks

We would like to express our gratitude to the students of Sakarya University who voluntarily participated in our research and contributed to the data collection process with their valuable insights.

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