Title: Psychosocial Dynamics Influencing the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence among Chinese Construction Workers in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Akintayo, Samson Olukunle, Dalfa, Ahmed Aydrus
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Pages: 135-145
Publication Date: 2026/01/28
Abstract:
The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the world construction sector and enhanced its safety, productivity, and efficiency of projects. Nevertheless, the real application of AI tools to construction workers is still not unified even with the institutional support and technological advancement. This research paper was aimed at exploring the psychological reason behind the use of AI by Chinese construction workers in Guangzhou. Particularly, it investigated the connection between technology anxiety, social influence and computer self-efficacy and their combined and relative impacts on the adoption of AI. The descriptive survey design was taken. The sample was of skilled and semi-skilled workforce in the chosen medium- and large-scale construction companies at Guangzhou, China. A standardized questionnaire was used to gather data of 237 respondents using structured and validated instruments. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and Multiple Regression Analysis at a level of significance of 0.05.The results showed that there is a strong negative correlation between technology anxiety and AI adoption (r=-.584, p<0.01), and positive correlation between computer self-efficacy and AI adoption (r=.349, p<0.05). Nevertheless, social influence did not demonstrate any significance with AI adoption (r =.072, p>0.05). The three psychological variables combined together to predict AI adoption (R=.689, R2=.475, F(3,233)= 70.270, p<0.05). Technology anxiety (?=-.436, p<0.05) and computer self-efficacy (?=.238, p<0.01) significantly contributed to the independent variables, but not social influence.According to these results, construction companies are advised to introduce the ongoing training of AI to enhance computer self-efficacy in workers and decrease technology-related anxiety. Favorable learning conditions where students can practice should be promoted. Digital literacy, stress management, and human-focused AI integration should also be encouraged by the organization and government policies to enhance confidence, inclusiveness, and sustainable adoption of AI by construction workers.