Translation and validation of the artificial intelligence anxiety scale in German
Issued Date
2025-01-01
Resource Type
eISSN
19326203
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105018263882
Pubmed ID
41060923
Journal Title
Plos One
Volume
20
Issue
10
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Plos One Vol.20 No.10 (2025) , e0333073
Suggested Citation
Hajek A., Zwar L., Neumann A., Gyasi R.M., Yon D.K., Pengpid S., Peltzer K., König H.H. Translation and validation of the artificial intelligence anxiety scale in German. Plos One Vol.20 No.10 (2025) , e0333073. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0333073 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/112642
Title
Translation and validation of the artificial intelligence anxiety scale in German
Author's Affiliation
Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
Mahidol University
University of the Free State
Brock University
KyungHee University College of Medicine
Southern Cross University
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
College of Medical and Health Science
African Population and Health Research Center
Mahidol University
University of the Free State
Brock University
KyungHee University College of Medicine
Southern Cross University
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
College of Medical and Health Science
African Population and Health Research Center
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
AIM: Artificial intelligence anxiety refers to fear due to challenges caused by AI-related changes in one's own life. As the first study, our aim was to translate and validate the German version of the Artificial Intelligence Anxiety Scale (AIAS-G). Furthermore, norm values (i.e., reference scores derived from the population) were presented. METHODS: Data were used from a quota-based sample of the adult population in Germany spanning from 18 to 74 years (n = 3,270) reflecting the German population in terms of sex, age and federal state. Data were collected in January 2025. The translation process followed established guidelines. Reliability was determined (in terms of Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega). Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine construct validity. Concurrent validity was investigated by calculating pairwise correlations of AIAS-G with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, life satisfaction and ikigai (Japanese concept mainly referring to meaning/purpose in life). Moreover, norm values were offered (also for specific sociodemographic groups). The AIAS-G sum score ranges from 21 to 147, with higher values corresponding to a higher AI anxiety level. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha was .97 for the AIAS-G (subscales from .94 to .98). The mean AI anxiety level was 69.6 (SD: 32.6), with highest mean levels among women, older adults, individuals being divorced/widowed, individuals with low education, and retired individuals. The four-factor model originally proposed was substantiated by the findings of the confirmatory factor analysis. Higher levels of AI-related anxiety were associated with more depressive symptoms (r = .32, p < .001), more anxiety symptoms (r = .34, p < .001), lower life satisfaction (r = -.16, p < .001) and lower ikigai levels (r = -.21, p < .001). CONCLUSION: The AIAS-G is a psychometrically sound instrument designed to determine AI anxiety levels among German speakers. Further translation and validation studies are necessary to enable comparisons across various countries.
