The best predictors of AI use across studies were aversive personality traits (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

A recent study has shed light on the frequency and predictors of artificial intelligence (AI) use, revealing that AI technologies are utilized less often than commonly assumed. Analyzing web-browsing data from nearly 1,000 participants over 90 days, researchers discovered that AI use represented only 1% of web activity among students and 0.44% among the general public. The study also identified aversive personality traits—such as Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy—as the strongest predictors of AI engagement, indicating a complex relationship between personality and technology adoption. This research is significant for the AI/ML community as it provides empirical evidence regarding actual AI use in natural settings, contrasting with subjective self-reports that showed only moderate correlation. The findings challenge assumptions about demographic factors influencing AI adoption, suggesting that individual psychological traits may play a crucial role. These benchmarks not only advance our understanding of who uses AI but also raise questions about the implications of personality on technology engagement and its societal effects.