Exploring the Factors that Influence Gen Z’s Trust Toward and Intentions to Use AI in Daily Life

This study examines the psychological and social factors shaping Generation Z's trust in and intention to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in daily life, applying the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework.Survey data from 87 high school students in Istanbul, Turkey, reveal that performance expectancy (perceived usefulness) and attitude toward AI emerge as the strongest predictors of both trust in AI and behavioural intention to adopt it.Mediation analyses confirm that attitude functions as a key psychological mechanism linking performance expectancy to trust and usage intention.In contrast, effort expectancy (perceived ease of use) and facilitating conditions show limited or no direct effects, suggesting that for digitally native youth, perceived value outweighs usability concerns.Peer influence is found to shape attitudes but does not directly predict trust or usage intention.These findings underscore the importance of focusing on value-driven design and trust-building strategies when developing AI systems for younger users.The study contributes to both UTAUT literature and AI adoption research by providing a generational lens on technology acceptance, highlighting how digitally native Generation Z users prioritize perceived usefulness and trust over usability and infrastructural support when engaging with AI technologies.