trust in AI

Language learners’ trust in AI was linked to reliance and resistance, with self-direction shaping reported use

Feifei Wang, Nuoen Li, Alan C. K. Cheung, Gary K. W. Wong

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

A mixed-methods study combined a survey of 682 Chinese university students with 40 follow-up interviews about AI use in language learning. Trust was associated with reliance, resistance, and intentions, while self-directed learning moderated the relationship between intention and reported use. Interviews distinguished thoughtful use from uncritical dependence. Because the design was cross-sectional and self-reported, the model explains patterns of association rather than causal pathways or measured language gains.