How AI and Automation Knowledge Level affect AI anxiety

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between AI and Automation Knowledge Level and AI Anxiety among 188 statistics students from public universities in Ankara. The methodology includes descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and logistic regression. Results show that AI and Automation Knowledge Level is significantly negatively correlated with AI Anxiety (r = -0.168, p < 0.01). Logistic regression results indicate that students with no AI knowledge are 7.8 times more likely to report slight anxiety and 18 times more likely to report moderate anxiety compared to those with AI knowledge. These findings highlight that basic AI knowledge reduces anxiety, while overly advanced knowledge does not further alleviate anxiety. The study recommends that governments and schools popularize AI education at a foundational level to reduce psychosocial risks.