Me, myself and AI: How gender, personality and emotions determine willingness to use Strong AI for self-improvement

With current technological advancements in AI pushing the boundaries of human-level capabilities, using general human-level artificial intelligence (i.e., Strong AI) holds potential for substantially improving human cognitive abilities. We examine individual-level antecedents of willingness to use Strong AI for improving human cognitive abilities. Two quantitative studies (N₁ = 1446, N₂ = 1090) reveal that gender and emotions have significant effects on the intention to use Strong AI for cognitive self-enhancement. Male (compared to female) participants demonstrate a higher willingness to use Strong AI for self-improvement. This difference can be explained partly by negative and independently by positive emotional reactions toward Strong AI. Neuroticism moderates the indirect effect via negative emotional reactions, such that sex differences in negative emotions diminish with higher levels of neuroticism. Our research findings provide first empirical evidence for demographic asymmetries regarding adoption intentions of Strong AI for cognitive self-improvement. We emphasize the importance of addressing sex differences through the management of positive as well as negative emotional responses and personality dispositions when designing equitable strategies for implementing Strong AI within our societies.