Who Fears Generative Artificial Intelligence? Scale Development and Predictors of Fears Towards GenAI

Bibliographic Data

ID21391973
AuthorsGuido Corradi (0000-0001-9163-6829, Department of Bioestatistics Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid Spain), Cecilia Theirs (0000-0001-7829-8466, Faculty of Health Sciences—HM Hospitals Camilo Jose Cela University Madrid España), Maria Luisa Martínez‐Martí (0000-0002-6948-8484, Faculty of Health Sciences—HM Hospitals Camilo Jose Cela University Madrid España), Carme Isern-Mas (0000-0001-8629-2021, Department of Philosophy and Social Work University of the Balearic Islands Palma Spain), Sergio Villar (0000-0002-7217-3088, Faculty of Health Sciences—HM Hospitals Camilo Jose Cela University Madrid España, corresponding author)
Year2026
Volume67
Issue2
Pages396-412
Publication date2026-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueScandinavian Journal of Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0036-5564 • E-ISSN: 1467-9450
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/sjop.70037
PMID41165064
OpenAlexW4415693220
LanguageEN
References cited37

This study developed and validated the Fears Towards Generative Artificial Intelligence scale, a novel instrument assessing individuals' concerns about emerging generative AI technologies, which are increasingly integrated into daily life. Drawing on qualitative data from three focus groups and subsequent quantitative validation with 303 participants, we initially derived 37 items that captured diverse fears, including concerns about job displacement, social inequalities, and loss of human autonomy commonly associated with generative AI systems. Exploratory factor analyses supported a unidimensional structure of the scale, demonstrating strong reliability and content validity. Regression models revealed that negative attitudes towards AI and perceived threats to employment were key predictors of heightened fear, while greater usage and familiarity were linked to reduced fear. We also present a short 4‐item version of the scale generated by a genetic algorithm and tested with 101 new participants, which presents good psychometric properties. The FTGAI scale addresses a critical measurement gap and offers a comprehensive tool for researchers and policymakers seeking to understand and mitigate fears towards generative AI's growing societal impact

Autonomy · Exploratory factor analysis · Focus group · Generative grammar · Generative model · Reliability (semiconductor) · Scale (ratio) · AI in Service Interactions · Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education · Ethics and Social Impacts of AI

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