Keeping up with generative AI: effects of engagement characteristics, cognitive appraisals, and affective reactions on user adaptation

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is expected to substantially change users’ established routines of accomplishing tasks, such as information search and content creation. Despite such promising potential, many users are still not incorporating GenAI into their routine internet use. This study draws on the adaptation to information technology (AIT) model to examine how users adapt to GenAI and the influencing factors, including cognitive appraisals, affective reactions, and engagement characteristics. An online survey was conducted with GenAI users recruited on Prolific. The results showed that cognitive appraisals (perceived opportunity, threat, and control) and affective reactions (enjoyment, trust, and anxiety) influence users’ various adaptations to varying degrees. Furthermore, engagement characteristics, including the frequency and breadth of using GenAI tools and user involvement, are significant predictors of cognitive appraisals. The study contributes to the nascent literature on GenAI tools by uncovering the impact of cognitive appraisals and affective reactions on users’ adaptation to GenAI tools, meanwhile revealing the influence of engagement characteristics on users’ appraisals. The findings provide a basis for encouraging certain adaptation behaviours and help understand factors that hinder users’ active adaptation to GenAI.