Use Matters: How Different Ways of Using ChatGPT Drive AI Acceptance and Solutionism

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is central to solutionism—the vision of a world where all major problems are solved through technology. This study theorizes about how human–AI communication shapes attitudes toward AI and influences the formation of public opinion, sparking solutionist imaginaries. We empirically examine the attitude formation resulting from the non-simulated use of an unmanipulated conversational model in a controlled laboratory experiment. Using a between-subjects design, participants engaged in three semi-structured 20-minute sessions with ChatGPT, providing a novel perspective on the effects of its use. The findings reveal that mere use of ChatGPT causally increases AI acceptance; however, its impact significantly depends on how the system is used. Especially non-instrumental, guided exploratory usage activates the solutionist imagination and leads to greater AI acceptance. This study demonstrates that specific types of AI engagement can shape public attitudes toward AI, including the development of uncritical beliefs about its future capabilities.

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