Investigating the Influence of Anxiety and Readiness on Behavioural Intention towards Generative Artificial Intelligence Adoption among Open and Distance Learning Students

This study examines the influence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) anxiety and readiness on students’ behavioural intention to adopt GenAI in an open and distance learning (ODL) context. As GenAI becomes increasingly integrated into education, understanding the factors that shape students’ adoption is essential. A quantitative research design was employed using an online survey to collect data from 460 students in an ODL institution in Malaysia. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between anxiety, readiness, and behavioural intention, and the moderating effect of prior GenAI experience. The findings showed that anxiety reduced students’ willingness to adopt GenAI while readiness increased it. Prior experience with GenAI did not change these relationships. The mixed findings highlight how emotional barriers and capability-related factors shape adoption, and that simple exposure alone is not enough to affect the adoption pathways. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that both reducing anxiety and enhancing readiness are critical for supporting the effective integration of GenAI in education. The findings offer insights for educators and institutions seeking to promote meaningful and sustained adoption of GenAI in ODL environments.