Digital Trust and Information Verification Behavior among Generation Z in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
Keywords:
digital trust; information verification behavior; artificial intelligence; generation Z; SEM-PLS.Abstract
Purpose This study examines the influence of digital trust on information verification behavior among Generation Z university students in the era of artificial intelligence. The increasing use of AI-generated information has raised concerns regarding information credibility and the ability of users to verify digital content effectively.
Methods A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed. Data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed to 412 Generation Z university students in Indonesia using purposive sampling. Digital Trust was specified as the exogenous variable and Information Verification Behavior as the endogenous variable. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) with SmartPLS 4.
Findings The results indicate that respondents demonstrated relatively high levels of digital trust (M = 4.02) and information verification behavior (M = 4.15). The structural model revealed that digital trust positively and significantly influences information verification behavior (β = 0.562, t = 12.874, p < 0.001). The model explained 31.6% of the variance in information verification behavior (R² = 0.316), while the effect size analysis indicated a substantial practical effect (f² = 0.462). The predictive relevance assessment further confirmed the model’s predictive capability (Q² = 0.214).
Research Implications The findings highlight the importance of strengthening digital trust, AI literacy, and information verification competencies within higher education. Educational institutions and policymakers should promote responsible AI use by encouraging critical evaluation of digital information and fostering trustworthy AI environments.
Originality This study contributes to the emerging literature on artificial intelligence and information behavior by demonstrating that digital trust encourages stronger information verification practices rather than passive acceptance of AI-generated information among Generation Z students.
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