Aptitude and connections are two powerful tools for shaping positive attitudes towards AI.
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A recent article was published in Telematics & Informatics This brings to light an important finding: the extent to which individuals meet their basic psychological needs. autonomy (control over one’s actions), Capacity (feeling effective at tasks), and Affiliation (engagement with others) plays an important role in shaping their opinion regarding artificial intelligence.
The study employed the framework of self-determination theory, which suggests that environments that support the fulfillment of these basic psychological needs can lead to greater intrinsic motivation, well-being, and optimal functioning. Additionally, research findings establish that meeting these needs can foster favorable attitudes toward AI, with competence and relatedness proving particularly influential.
“In our study, we found that our desires to feel competent, connected and in control influence our opinion of artificial intelligence,” says Jenna Bergdahl, researcher on the UrbanAI project at the University of Tampere in Finland. “These feelings, also known as basic psychological needs, can determine whether we like or dislike AI.”
To understand the relationship between psychological needs and attitudes toward AI, researchers conducted two studies examining attitudes toward AI based on self-determination theory and basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness).
- In the first study across six European countries, they found that low satisfaction of these needs was associated with more negative AI attitudes, while competence and relatedness fostered positive attitudes. For Finns, autonomy also played a key role in a positive AI outlook.
- In a second study with Finnish participants, they observed that increased autonomy and related satisfaction led to more positive AI attitudes and less negativity.
- Additionally, they found consistent effects of autonomy, competence, and relatedness on reducing negativity toward AI, with individuals with higher autonomy and perceived competence exhibiting both less negativity and greater positivity toward AI.
The study emphasizes that basic psychological needs, especially competence and relatedness, significantly influence positive attitudes towards artificial intelligence in six European countries. While competence and relatedness consistently influence positive AI attitudes, the effect of autonomy varies, particularly in Finland, highlighting the unique nature of AI attitudes compared to traditional technology acceptance.
This research thus addresses a gap by exploring the connection between psychological needs and AI attitudes, emphasizing the importance of recognizing our innate “humanity” and feeling like worthy, capable, and autonomous beings in the face of such intelligence. that rivals, and possibly surpasses, ours. own.
The main findings of the study can be summarized in the following points:
- People who feel empowered, connected, and in control tend to have more positive attitudes toward AI. Specifically, those who believe they can use technology on their own terms, such as Finnish respondents, view AI more favorably.
- To effectively harness the potential of AI, it is important to acknowledge the diverse perspectives and concerns people have about this technology.
- By ensuring that individuals’ basic psychological needs are met when they interact with AI, we can improve the acceptance and use of these technologies in more flexible and productive ways.
When asked how organizations that are implementing AI technologies in their operations can increase employee engagement, satisfaction and acceptance of AI-driven changes in the workplace, the authors recommend the following two-step approach:
- build employee confidence
- Create an environment of belongingness among AI users
“Overall, organizations can increase AI engagement and acceptance by aligning AI implementation strategies with the principles of self-determination theory. By addressing employees’ psychological needs for competence, autonomy and relatedness, organizations can foster a positive and supportive environment for the adoption of AI-driven changes,” the authors concluded.
The full interview with researcher Jenna Bergdahl discussing her research can be found here: Research reveals an intuitive solution to reduce AI panic
