The Influence of AI on Critical Thinking and Creativity in L2 Learning Contexts: A Social Cognitive Perspective

The expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education raises important questions about how AI-supported learning may foster higher-order thinking and creative talent development. Guided by social cognitive theory, the current research examined how AI self-efficacy predicts creativity among second language (L2) learners through the mediating roles of AI literacy and critical thinking disposition. Two substudies were conducted. Study 1 (N = 72) tested a simple mediation model and demonstrated that AI self-efficacy positively predicted creativity both directly and indirectly through AI literacy. Study 2 (N = 135) extended these findings by incorporating critical thinking disposition and by using another measure of creativity. Results showed that AI self-efficacy positively predicted creativity, and this relationship was mediated independently by AI literacy and critical thinking disposition, as well as sequentially through both factors. The current study provides empirical evidence for pathways linking AI self-efficacy, AI literacy, critical thinking disposition, and creativity in AI-supported L2 learning. It highlights the importance of reflective and critical use of AI tools in language education.