The role of perceived trust and technology anxiety in intention to use technology tools in HEI: applying the modified UTAUT from user behavior context

This paper analyzes the determinants of intention to use Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools in higher education institutions (HEI). The model, based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), introduces two new constructs– perceived trust and technology anxiety– to offer a more comprehensive insight into adoption behavior in undergraduate and postgraduate students. The survey was done on a non-probability convenience basis by using a structured survey. Out of the 300 questionnaires circulated, 175 valid responses were analyzed based on partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The outcomes have shown that perceived trust and technology anxiety have a significant impact on behavioral intention among students to embrace GenAI tools and technology anxiety mediates the effect of the independent variables on behavioral intention. Such outcomes lead to the enrichment of technology adoption models by putting an emphasis on the psychological aspects of trust and anxiety. In practice, they can be applied to a higher education stakeholder to provide actionable lessons that allow the development of strategies that encourage responsible integration, mitigate resistance, and prioritize the acceptance of GenAI tools into an academic setting.