A recent article published in Telematics and Informatics brings to light a critical discovery and its implications for the workplace: the extent to which individuals satisfy their fundamental psychological needs of autonomy (control over one’s actions), competence (feeling effective in tasks), and relatedness (connection with others) plays a substantial role in shaping their opinions regarding artificial intelligence.
The study employed the framework of Self-Determination Theory, which suggests that environments that support the fulfillment of these basic psychological needs can lead to greater intrinsic motivation, well-being and optimal functioning. Additionally, the findings of the research establish that fulfilling these needs can substantially promote favorable attitudes toward Artificial Intelligence, with competence and relatedness proving particularly influential.
“In our study, we discovered that our desires to feel capable, connected and in control influence our opinions about artificial intelligence,” says Jenna Bergdahl, a researcher on the UrbanAI project at Tampere University in Finland. “These feelings, which are also known as basic psychological needs, can shape whether we end up liking or disliking Artificial Intelligence.” MORE
