Observer Perceptions of GenAI Use and Interpersonal Trust: The Roles of Warmth, Competence, and AI Literacy

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Artificial Intelligence Ethics

Background:

• Generative AI (GenAI) is increasingly integrated into daily life and learning.
• The impact of GenAI use on interpersonal trust is not well understood.
• Theoretical frameworks like the Stereotype Content Model and social cognitive theory can inform this investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between perceived GenAI use and interpersonal trust.
• To examine the mediating roles of perceived warmth and competence.
• To determine if perceived AI literacy moderates the association between GenAI use and trust.

Main Methods:

• Survey study with 406 participants.
• Assessed perceptions of target individual's GenAI use, warmth, competence, AI literacy, and interpersonal trust.
• Employed mediation and moderation analyses.

Main Results:

• GenAI use was negatively associated with interpersonal trust.
• Perceived warmth and competence mediated this negative association.
• Perceived AI literacy moderated the direct negative effect of GenAI use on trust, but not the indirect pathways.

Conclusions:

• GenAI use may reduce interpersonal trust through diminished perceptions of warmth and competence.
• Individuals with low AI literacy are more susceptible to trust erosion from GenAI use.
• Findings offer insights into managing trust in human-AI interactions and collaborations.