AI-mediated communication tools as facilitators for intercultural willingness to communicate in EFL contexts

This study investigates the role of AI-mediated communication (AI-MC) in enhancing willingness to communicate (WTC), reducing apprehension, and improving pragmatic self-efficacy among 221 EFL university students. Utilizing a cross-sectional quantitative design, data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression. Results indicate that AI-MC acts as a critical mediator, significantly predicting higher WTC and pragmatic self-efficacy while substantially lowering communication apprehension. The findings highlight the potential of AI as a scaffolding mechanism in intercultural settings, suggesting that AI-integrated pedagogy can move learners beyond traditional constraints toward a more confident communicative praxis. The study offers practical implications for integrating AI literacy into language curricula to foster inclusive, effective intercultural engagement.