Trusting the machine – the role of gender and personality in shaping the propensity to trust artificial intelligence

Abstract

With the growing significance of Digital Trust in the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is essential to identify the factors that shape individuals' propensity to place trust in AI. This study examines whether gender differences exist in the propensity to trust AI and explores the extent to which personality traits serve as significant predictors of trust. Data from N = 114 students was collected using validated psychometric questionnaires. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze gender differences, while a multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the influence of personality traits. The results revealed no significant gender difference. However, the personality traits conscientiousness and neuroticism were significant negative predictors of the propensity to trust AI. Overall, the Big Five personality traits explained a moderate amount of the variance in the propensity to trust AI. The findings underscore the multifaceted nature of psychological factors influencing trust in AI and contribute to the expanding body of interdisciplinary research aimed at systematically understanding this complex phenomenon.