The moderating role of ethics in the relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) self-efficacy and trustworthiness in information seeking

AI is rapidly evolving technological innovation with growing applications across information environments. Numerous studies have revealed the extensive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various applications, particularly in the field of information retrieval. AI plays a vital role in filtering huge amount of data and analysis by sorting and the ability to determine the distinct between of data. This study examines how ethics moderates the relationship between AI self-efficacy and trustworthiness in information seeking. The quantitative approach was adapted and adopted in order to explore the intention of the study. Stratified sampling was used by choosing respondents from postgraduate students of 5 research universities. A total of 361 responses were deemed valid and completed out of 371 respondents. The data were analysed using SPSS and SmartPLS software which found that 12 out of 18 hypotheses yielded significant results. The analysis showed that Perceived Mastery (Motivated Learning Behaviour and Learning Strategy) is significant towards (1) Assistance, i.e., Motivated Learning Behaviour, Learning Strategy, (2) Anthropomorphic Interaction, i.e., Learning Strategy, (3) Technological Skills, i.e., Motivated Learning Behaviour, and Learning Strategy. Only the factor of Social Persuasion (Sociability) is found significant towards (1) Assistance; (2) Anthropomorphic Interaction, (3) and Technological Skills. All 3 dimensions of AI Self-Efficacy (Assistance, Anthropomorphic Interaction and Technological Skills) are found significant towards Trustworthiness in Information Seeking. The moderating variable (Ethics) is found to be significant between Technology Skills and Trustworthiness in Information Seeking. The output of this study perhaps can be used by the library where they can incorporate syllabus on how students’ evaluate trustworthiness in information seeking by using AI. Meanwhile, among universities, they are highly recommended to come out with acceptable AI index use in academic guideline.