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

Öz

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.

Anahtar Kelimeler

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

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

Öz

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.

Anahtar Kelimeler

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

Kaynakça

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