Role of AI dependency in shaping 21st century skills in higher education with AI trust as a mediator

The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) as a key tool of the fourth industrial revolution is transforming higher education with personalized learning environments. This study sheds light on human–AI interface in higher education examining the role of AI literacy (AIL), AI trust (AIT) and AI dependency (AID) for the implications of 21st century skills such as self-confidence (SC), problem solving (PS), communication (CO), creative thinking (CRT), critical thinking (CT), and collaboration (COL). To achieve this, cognitive-affective-behavior (CAB) model is utilized to conduct structural equation modelling (SEM) in SmartPLS 4.0. Purposive sampling approach is employed to elicit data from the students of different academic disciplines in Bangladesh, yielding a total of 367 responses after screening and missing data treatment. Findings reveal that AIL posits a positive and significant relationship with AIT and AID, where AIT partially mediates between AIL and AID. Moreover, AID positively and significantly influences all skills of 21st century, where larger effect sizes were found on CRT, PS, CO, SC, and CT, respectively. The research outcomes recommend AI facilitated higher education for the 21st century skill development and presents significant practical implications for the educators and institutional policymakers to develop AI-oriented curricula that advance sustainable development goal – 4 ensuring quality education.