Psychological Distress and Artificial Intelligence Dependency: The Moderator Role of Extraversion

The aim of this study is to examine the moderating role of extraversion in the relationship between psychological distress and artificial intelligence dependency. A total of 438 university students (24.9% male; mean age = 21.65, SD = 3.65) participated in the study through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Scale for Dependence on Artificial Intelligence, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-Short Form, and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory. The relationships among variables were examined using Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses, and the main hypothesis of the study was tested through conditional process analysis using Hayes’ PROCESS Macro (Model 1). The findings indicated a significant relationship between psychological distress and artificial intelligence dependency. The results of the moderation analysis revealed that the effect of psychological distress on artificial intelligence dependency varied depending on the level of extraversion. While this relationship was not significant at low levels of extraversion, it became positive and significant at higher levels. Additionally, extraversion was found to have a direct and significant negative effect on artificial intelligence dependency. These findings suggest that the relationship between psychological distress and artificial intelligence dependency should be considered within the framework of individual differences. Extraversion appears to play a critical moderating role in this relationship. This study contributes to the literature on artificial intelligence dependency by expanding the limited empirical evidence in this emerging field.