The Dunning–Kruger effect and artificial intelligence: knowledge, self-efficacy and acceptance

Purpose Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the world. Despite the numerous advantages of AI in terms of faster processing and higher efficiency, AI hasn’t been widely accepted by humans yet. This study aims to shed light on this phenomenon by exploring the Dunning–Kruger Effect in AI knowledge and examining how AI knowledge affects AI acceptance through AI-related self-efficacy. Design/methodology/approach By collecting data from 179 managers, we examined the Dunning–Kruger Effect in AI knowledge and used mediation analysis to explore the mechanisms by which AI knowledge leads to AI acceptance. Findings Our findings indicated the presence of the Dunning–Kruger Effect in AI knowledge. Furthermore, our results revealed that AI knowledge has a nonlinear effect on AI acceptance through AI-related self-efficacy. Originality/value In contrast to previous research that posited a linear link between knowledge and acceptance of technology, this study offers a new framework for the nonlinear relationships between AI knowledge, AI-related self-efficacy and AI acceptance by extending the Dunning–Kruger effect to the AI field.