Motivation, Concerns, and Attitudes Towards AI: Differences by Gender, Age, and Culture

Attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI) are influenced by individual intentions to use it and concerns about its implications, which can vary across different age groups and genders, highlighting the need for more nuanced design and communication strategies. This study explores how gender and age influence attitudes towards AI by examining intentions and concerns from a cross-cultural perspective. Using a sample of 562 participants from the UK (281) and the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) (281), the research investigates demographic and cultural differences in AI use intentions and concerns. The study finds that gender and age significantly influence AI acceptance in the UK, whereas these factors have a less pronounced impact in the Arab context. The results highlight that women generally express more ethical and privacy concerns about AI than men, and older adults show more apprehension towards AI acceptance than younger individuals. By showing that cultural nuances play a role in shaping these attitudes, we also show the need for tailored strategies to address demographic-specific concerns to reduce fear towards AI and, at the same time, avoid over-acceptance. The combined influence of age and gender can enhance the effectiveness of AI strategies, emphasizing the importance of considering personal and cultural factors in design and policy-making, e.g., in aiding trust calibration and informed adoption of AI.