Beyond the Digital Divide: Sociodemographic Gradients in College Students’ Generative AI Usage, Literacy, and Attitudes

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 3:45 pm - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: Navigating the Landscape of Digital Divide in Education

Abstract

This study examines undergraduate students’ usage, knowledge, and attitudes toward generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools. Guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and digital inclusion frameworks, we implemented an original survey with over 700 undergraduates at a large U.S. public university, measuring GAI literacy, self-efficacy, motivation, information sources, and concerns. Regression analyses reveal significant sociodemographic disparities: women report later GAI adoption and lower self-efficacy, despite similar motivation to men; Asian or Pacific Islander students show higher technical literacy, while Black and Hispanic students report lower conceptual literacy than White students. Students from minoritized backgrounds express greater equity and cultural representation concerns. Notably, international and multilingual students report higher GAI usage, highlighting potential for inclusive innovation.

Authors

• Ran Liu, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Carla Z. Glave, University of Wisconsin - Madison