Prior chatbot exposure rather than general technological literacy is associated with willingness to use chatbots¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · associational r1 · q3
Currency · newest study 2026 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q3 i? Chatbot users had significantly higher prior usage of chatbots or virtual assistants than non-users, while overall technological literacy and AI-understanding ratings showed no user/non-user differences. → Stephen Colbran 2026

Evidence¶

Stephen Colbran 2026¶

Stephen Colbran, Meena Jha and Caitlin Schiavone. (2026). Understanding student perspectives on generative AI chatbots: a human-centred mixed-methods study in higher education. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-026-00605-w

q3 · i? · associational · r1

ANOVA comparing users and non-users on technology and AI items (Fig. 4): "Users of chatbots (mean = 2.93) had a higher prior usage of chatbots or virtual assistants (e.g. Siri, Alexa, ChatGPT) than non-users (mean = 3.47)"; the authors state AI literacy rather than technological experience appears associated with willingness and confidence to use chatbots.

"Users of chatbots (mean = 2.93) had a higher prior usage of chatbots or virtual assistants (e.g. Siri, Alexa, ChatGPT) than non-users (mean = 3.47) Sig = .006, df = 117)."

Discussion¶

Learner Variables¶

• Digital Literacy — predictor: learners who differ on it differ in outcomes

Related Claims¶

• Digital skills gaps span demographic groups and shape e-learning, job performance, and earnings — the general claim this finding bears on, with the studies behind it
• Chatbot users held more positive attitudes and reported greater perceived knowledge gains than non-users — related
• Non-users cite lack of training, distrust of responses, preference for teaching staff, academic-integrity fear and lack of interest as reasons for not using chatbots — related
• Gender, age and English proficiency show nuanced group differences in chatbot attitudes and concerns — related
• Students express willingness to integrate GenAI in learning and future careers, and willingness correlates with knowledge and frequency of use — related