Understanding the Intention To Use Artificial Intelligence Chatbots in Education: the Role of Individual Innovativeness and AI Trust Among University Students

Abstract

AI chatbots, which use artificial intelligence and are growing in popularity offer interactive learning environments. In this current study, we used the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) for the acceptance of AI chatbots in the educational environment. The expanded model included the variables of AI chatbot trust and individual innovativeness. A total of 306 university students participated in the research. According to the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) results, the model explained 61% of the variance in intention to use AI chatbots for educational purposes. This study shows that AI trust and individual innovativeness offer deeper insights into the research model. Based on these findings, practical recommendations include providing supportive activities to improve ease of use and usefulness, encouraging innovation among less innovative students, and enhancing chatbot design with more humanistic and pedagogical features to build trust and engagement.