AI Insight
This study investigated factors influencing older adult learners' (age 50+) acceptance of generative AI in central Taiwan by extending the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model with two new constructs: GenAI identity and trust. Analysis of 718 participants revealed that social influence and facilitating conditions positively affected behavioral intention to use GenAI, while performance expectancy had a negative influence. GenAI identity and trust were significant predictors of performance and effort expectancy, with notable gender differences observed across most structural paths.
Why it matters
The findings provide evidence-based guidance for designing age-appropriate GenAI educational interventions for older adults, highlighting that social support and accessible infrastructure are more critical than perceived performance benefits. Understanding these adoption patterns can help educators and policymakers create more effective strategies for integrating generative AI into adult learning programs.
Understand the Science
IntroductionGenerative AI (GenAI) technology has been rapidly integrated into diverse domains, including education. It has fundamentally reshaped the global learning landscape, exerting a significantly positive influence on students’ learning experience. However, the factors influencing adult learners’ behavioral intention to use GenAI have not yet been fully understood. Therefore, this study aims to explore key factors influencing the behavioral intention to use GenAI among adult learners from central Taiwan. Based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model, this study integrated two constructs—GenAI identity and trust—to extend the model.MethodsA structured questionnaire survey was performed to collect data from 718 adult learners who were aged 50 or above and from central Taiwan. Partial least squares (PLS) and Partial least squares-Multi-group analyses (PLS-MGA) were employed for data analysis.ResultsThe following results were obtained: (1) social influence and facilitating conditions are significant antecedent factors influencing adult learners’ behavioral intention to use GenAI—conversely, performance expectancy has a negative influence on such intention; (2) GenAI identity and trust are key predictive variables of performance expectancy and effort expectancy; (3) different gender groups exhibit significant differences in most structural paths of the research model.DiscussionThese findings provide theoretical support for context-sensitive strategies in adult learning and the educational application of GenAI.