# Could AI risk perception, AI learning anxiety and personal growth initiative influence university students’ AI usage capability? An empirical investigation based on the control-value theory

## TL;DR

This study explores how university students' perceptions of AI risks and anxiety affect their ability to use AI, based on emotional and cognitive factors.

## Contribution

The study introduces a new perspective on how emotional and cognitive factors influence university students' AI usage capability.

## Key findings

- AI risk perception negatively correlates with AI usage capability.
- Personal growth initiative moderates the relationship between AI risk perception and AI usage capability.
- AI learning anxiety indirectly affects AI usage capability.

## Abstract

Based on the control-value theory, this study aims to explore the relationship among university students’ AI risk perception, AI learning anxiety, personal growth initiative, and AI usage capability. A questionnaire survey collected 1,001 valid data. SPSS 26.0 and PROCESS 3.4 were used for data processing. Results indicated that there was a significant negative correlation between AI risk perception and AI usage capability, and a significant indirect association through AI learning anxiety. Furthermore, personal growth initiative positively conditioned the negative association between AI risk perception and AI usage capability but negatively conditioned the negative relationship between AI learning anxiety and AI usage capability. This research offers a new perspective for understanding the emotional and cognitive mechanisms of college students in AI learning contexts and provides valuable insights for future AI education and system design.