Next Article in Journal
Exploring Prior Knowledge from Human Mobility Patterns for POI Recommendation
Next Article in Special Issue
Investigation into Touch Performance on a QWERTY Soft Keyboard on a Smartphone: Touch Time, Accuracy, and Satisfaction in Two-Thumb Key Entry
Previous Article in Journal
State-of-Charge Prediction Model for Ni-Cd Batteries Considering Temperature and Noise
Previous Article in Special Issue
Visualisation of Information Using Patient Journey Maps for a Mobile Health Application
 
 
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

Is Everyone an Artist? A Study on User Experience of AI-Based Painting System

1
Department of Smart Experience Design, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
2
College of Art and Design, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
3
College of Fine Arts, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541006, China
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 6496; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116496
Submission received: 13 April 2023 / Revised: 24 May 2023 / Accepted: 24 May 2023 / Published: 26 May 2023
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art in Human Factors and Interaction Design)

Abstract

:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in different fields are developing rapidly, among which AI painting technology, as an emerging technology, has received wide attention from users for its creativity and efficiency. This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence user acceptance of the use of AIBPS by proposing an extended model that combines the Extended Technology Acceptance Model (ETAM) with an AI-based Painting System (AIBPS). A questionnaire was administered to 528 Chinese participants, and validated factor analysis data and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were used to test our hypotheses. The findings showed that Hedonic Motivation (HM) and Perceived Trust (PE) had a positive effect (+) on users’ Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), while Previous Experience (PE) and Technical Features (TF) had no effect (−) on users’ Perceived Usefulness (PU). This study provides an important contribution to the literature on AIBPS and the evaluation of systems of the same type, which helps to promote the sustainable development of AI in different domains and provides a possible space for the further extension of TAM, thus helping to improve the user experience of AIBPS. The results of this study provide insights for system developers and enterprises to better motivate users to use AIBPS.

1. Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly developing and is becoming more widely used as computer technology and algorithms continue to advance. The International Data Corporation (IDC) reports that global spending on AI will more than double between 2023 and 2026, with spending exceeding USD 300 billion [1]. Since the end of the 20th century, applied research on AI has been widely used in various fields as an interdisciplinary approach, subtly transforming industries such as automotive, finance, healthcare, retail, journalism, media, education, gaming, online assistants, payments, art, and smart homes [2,3], and previous scholars have related AI art through literature and case studies [4,5]. Examples include the AI video content generation system Runway, the AI image processing system Toolkit, the AI automatic social media posting system Repurpose IO, the AI music system Amper Music, and the AI art image system Dall-E2.
AI art is widely used in the field of AI-Generated Content (AIGC) [6], and various related systems have been developed to facilitate and enhance the capabilities of users [7]. The chatbot product Chat GPT, based on AIGC, has surpassed 100 million active users in only two months since its launch, making it the fastest-growing application in history [8]. Scholars have prospectively discussed the potential of AI art technology applications [9,10,11]. Deng explores the application of AI in art design [12]; Liu analyzes the relationship between the integration of traditional and AI painting [13]; Köbis and Mossink experimentally assess whether users distinguish AI-generated poetry [14]; De Mantaras, RL, and Arcos, J.L study the relationship between AI and music [15]; and Jeon studies film creation through an AI-generated system that generates stories, narratives, images, and sounds in films using AI [16]. Therefore, the application of AI in the field of art is promising, and more AI will be applied to art creation in the future.
Driven by AI art, the application of AI in the field of painting continues to mature and develop [13]. AIBPS can generate paintings by learning and simulating the process of human painting [5], and can also generate a large number of images and works in a short time [17]. Therefore, more and more artists and designers are applying it to practical creations. In 2022, the first prize winner of the Colorado State Fair Art Competition, “Théâtre D’opéra Spatial”, made headlines with a painting by designer Jason M. Allen using the AIBPS Midjourney [18]. However, according to the interview, he generated images more than 800 times through the AI system and repeatedly performed tests to obtain satisfactory work, meaning the system did not directly generate the expected satisfactory work. Academics also continue to discuss user acceptance regarding AI-generated paintings, such as whether AI-generated paintings are art [19,20], whether users accurately recognize AI-generated paintings [21], whether AI is imaginative [5], whether AI can create artistic paintings autonomously [22], whether AI-generated art can be considered human-created works like “Art”, and whether users accept AI-generated paintings. Therefore, user acceptance and behavioral intentions towards AIBPS may be a real issue, as it can directly affect user engagement and sustained usage. If users do not accept and use AIBPS, this may lead to lower user retention, lower user activity, and reduced revenue for AIBPS [23]. Thus, AI is widely used in fields such as art creation and design, and research is needed to optimize user acceptance and behavioral intentions to improve its effectiveness.
The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is the most prevalent theory used to evaluate user acceptance of new AI technologies [24] and was first proposed by Davis [25]. TAM is now widely used in different aspects of new technologies and confirmed that Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) have a significant impact on user acceptance. Researchers have continuously upgraded and extended TAM based on TAMs such as TAM2, TAM3, UTAUT, UTAUT 2, etc. [26,27,28,29,30,31,32]. Moreover, the Robotic Architectural Technology Acceptance Model (RATAM), a new high-tech acceptance theory model for AI robot architecture design contexts, provides new insights into the future development of AI in architectural design [33].
Due to AI-Based Painting Systems (AIBPS) being an emerging technology, scholars have predominantly focused on comparing algorithms and functionalities across different systems, with limited research on users’ specific experiences, attitudes, and acceptance when using AIBPS. Despite the crucial importance of user acceptance and usage for the successful application of AIBPS, there is a lack of empirical research that applies Extended Technology Acceptance Model (ETAM) to systematically explore the factors influencing users’ acceptance and usage of AIBPS. Therefore, this study aims to fill the existing research gap and provide research directions for further in-depth exploration of user acceptance of AIBPS. By investigating and analyzing the factors influencing user acceptance and usage of AIBPS, this study will offer valuable insights into the development and application of this field. Therefore, this study aims to explore the factors that influence users’ acceptance and behavioral intentions toward AIBPS using an extended TAM framework, and extends previous discussions on AIBPS to help evaluate and improve the experience and effectiveness of using the technology in practical applications. In general, this study aims to answer the following questions. (1) What are the factors that influence users’ acceptance and use of AIBPS? (2) What are the relationships among the influencing factors? (3) How can the development and improvement of AIBPS features used by users be facilitated in response to these factors?
The research framework of this paper is as follows: Section 2, which reviews AIBPS and technology acceptance models, presents the research model and hypotheses of this paper and explores the determinants that influence the acceptance and use of AIBPS. In Section 3, we collect user data through questionnaire surveys and analyze them. Section 4 evaluates the measurement model and Structural Equation Model. In Section 5, we present our discussion and realizations. In Section 6, the conclusions of this paper are summarized. Section 7 discusses the limitations of the study and future directions. It is hoped that these findings will help system developers better understand users’ preferences and acceptance of AIBPS, facilitate the development of new features, and thus, guide users to accept and use AIBPS more rationally, and consequently, promote the sustainable development of artistic creativity. Figure 1 shows a workflow diagram of the research methodology in this paper.

2. Theoretical Background and Hypothesis Development

2.1. Overview of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Painting

In recent years, AI techniques have gained popularity in the field of painting art, and the current mainstream AIBPS is based on semantic analysis [34]. This technique uses a huge database of text and images to train a machine-learning model that generates images by learning based on the textual input given by the user [35]. AIBPS uses deep learning algorithms to analyze and learn existing images, enabling the creation of new images. For example, Edmond de Belamy, a generative adversarial network portrait painting produced by the Parisian art collective Obvious in 2018, sold for USD 432,500 at Christie’s New York in October 2019 [36]. Existing generative classes of neural networks include Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Creative Adversarial Networks (AICANs), and Contrastive Language–Image Pre-training Models (CLIPs). The early AIBPS include DeepDream, Prisma, and Dall-E, and the current AIBPS include Disco Diffusion, Dall-E2, Imagen, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion. Currently, there are two types of generative model of AIBPS on the market: one is diffusion-based and the other is sequence-to-sequence [37]. Therefore, generating high-quality, realistic images that accurately match the text descriptions is still a challenging task for AI systems.
Previous scholars have explored the relationship between AI and painting, such as creativity in AI painting [38], reflections on AI painting techniques [13], the attitudes of art and non-art majors towards AI painting [17], comparing human and AI painting [39], and applying AI painting techniques to cultural and creative products [40]. The art of AI painting incorporates a wide range of techniques and styles, using machine learning to improve the user’s painting ability. Whether or not they have or specialize in painting skills, with the help of AIBPS, art major and non-art major users can easily create impressive works [17]. The intervention of AI in the creation of painting art not only brings more possibilities, but also overturns the paradigm of art creation and changes the way we think about viewing and evaluating artworks [39]. Thus, humans and AI can form a good partnership when making art, thus allowing for maximum creativity [38]. Since AI-generated paintings are based on technology, while human-generated paintings are based on emotions, fundamental differences remain in some aspects [41]. More and more users are now interested in the AIBPS creation method; however, whether users are willing to accept this art creation method, what factors contribute to user acceptance, and whether frequent use of AI painting systems will lead to the homogenization of creation, are the topics of this paper’s research.

2.2. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is used to explain and predict the adoption of computer technology. Davis argued that for a new technology to be accepted, it is crucial that it be used and easily identified [25]. His research developed and validated new scales for two specific variables: Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) [42]. TAM is also one of the most commonly used models to understand the level of user adoption of emerging and communication technologies [43]. A meta-analysis conducted by some scholars proved that TAM is a valid and robust model and has been widely used [44]. In addition, PU and Attitude toward Using (ATT) directly affect Behavioral Intention (BI), whereas PEOU affects BI by PU directly or indirectly [45]. In the context of this study, users’ ATT and BI were higher if they perceived that using AIBPS in their painting creation process was beneficial.
TAM is an important theoretical basis for studying users’ acceptance of new technologies. In this model, PU and PEOU are two important influencing factors and they are both influenced by external variables, and many scholars have proposed new models by combining these variables. These models provide system developers with a better way to control user Behavioral Intention (BI) [46]. For example, the Technology Acceptance Model for the Elderly (STAM) explores the acceptance of new technologies among older Hong Kong residents [47]; the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework combined with TAM examines the factors influencing end-user ATT and BI regarding AI-based technologies in construction companies [28]; and the Learning Behavior Acceptance Model (T-LBAM) explores the intrinsic influences of students’ participation in gamified online courses on willingness [26]. It is important to note that there are many influencing factors in TAM, and these factors vary significantly across different research areas. Therefore, in order to better understand the extent to which users accept new technologies, it is essential to thoroughly consider the influence of various external variables on user perception [27]. Several external variables, based on different research subjects, have been identified and incorporated into studies by scholars [26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33]. The inclusion of these external variables helps expand our understanding of user acceptance of new technologies and provides a more comprehensive analysis of the related phenomena. In addition, TAM has been used by many scholars as a theoretical basis for research describing users’ ATT and BI regarding new systems or technologies for AI, and the model has been validated in areas such as Smart Banking [48], mobile payments [49], healthcare [50], service delivery [51], learning platforms [52], architecture companies [28], and digital libraries [46].
Although many scholars have applied TAM to the AI field, no scholars have yet combined TAM with the AI art field in an empirical study. The process by which various TAM factors in the AI field influence the acceptance of AIBPS is not clear. Therefore, this study aims to propose an Extended Technology Acceptance Model (ETAM) and combine it with AIBPS to investigate the factors that influence users’ acceptance and use of AIBPS. Through this study, we can provide new ideas for applying the ETAM model in the AI field, and also help to promote the development of the AI art field.

2.3. Research Hypotheses

2.3.1. Previous Experience (PE)

Previous Experience refers to the fact that experienced users will find this new technology more useful and easier to use, and will be more likely to use it more often [53]. Although TAM has been shown to be applicable to experienced users, Previous Experience (PE) is still one of the main predictors of users’ behavioral intentions [54,55]. In a meta-analysis of 107 papers, scholars identified 152 external variables that influence Perceived Usefulness (PU) and ease of use, of which they identified Previous Experience (PE) as particularly important [56]. Experienced users are more receptive to new technologies, and thus, Previous Experience (PE) is an important factor influencing users’ adoption of new technologies [57]. Studies have shown that experience is one of the most adequate moderating variables in TAM [44]. Therefore, we propose the following hypotheses:
Hypothesis 1 (H1a).
The user’s Previous Experience of AIBPS will positively influence their Perceived Usefulness of AIBPS.
Hypothesis 1 (H1b).
The user’s Previous Experience of AIBPS will positively influence their Perceived Ease of Use of AIBPS.

2.3.2. Technical Features (TF)

Technical Features need to be applicable and easy to use, and compatible with prior art, to reflect the advantages of functionality [28]. Some scholars have argued that AI device-specific technology preferences play an important role in user acceptance of new technologies [58]. Thus, in some cases, users’ ATT and BI may vary depending on the Technical Features (TF) of the system and the differences between users [59]. According to previous studies, the Technical Features (TF) of a new technology or device can directly affect the user’s PEOU and PU of the system [46,60,61]. Thus, the inclusion of Technical Features as external variables in TAM can help to better understand user acceptance and the adoption of AI painting technology. Consequently, we offer the following hypotheses:
Hypothesis 2 (H2a).
The Technical Features of AIBPS will positively influence users’ Perceived Usefulness of AIBPS.
Hypothesis 2 (H2b).
The Technical Features of AIBPS will positively influence users’ Perceived Ease of Use of AIBPS.

2.3.3. Hedonic Motivation (HM)

Hedonic Motivation refers to the pleasure or expectation of pleasure that an individual obtains through the use of AI devices [51]. Furthermore, previous studies have used hedonism as a major predictor of user behavior regarding technological systems [62]. With the continuous development of AI technologies, Hedonic Motivation (HM) has been widely used in terms of users’ acceptance of AI [63,64], involving applications such as smart banking [48] and smart voice assistants [65], and some scholars have shown that Hedonic Motivation (HM) also significantly influences the social presence of AI chat systems, and thus, the intention to use AI chat services [66]. For users, when using AI devices for hedonic motives, these devices can provide benefits by satisfying personal interests and entertainment needs [67]; in other words, hedonic motives are the pleasure or joy derived from using the technology or system and are important determinants of users’ acceptance and continued use of the technology [68]. In addition, several related studies have extended the TAM model to include Hedonic Motivation (HM) factors, and one such study proposed the Hedonic Motivation System Adoption Model (HMSAM) [69]. Accordingly, the following hypotheses are proposed:
Hypothesis 3 (H3a).
The user’s Hedonic Motivation for AIBPS will positively influence their Perceived Usefulness of AIBPS.
Hypothesis 3 (H3b).
The user’s Hedonic Motivation for AIBPS will positively influence their Perceived Ease of Use of AIBPS.

2.3.4. Perceived Trust (PT)

Perceived Trust refers to the user’s recognition of the reliability and trustworthiness of a system [70]. As people become increasingly dependent on new technologies, trust in new technologies has become increasingly important [71,72]. Perceived Trust (PT), as a predictor of technology acceptance [73,74], is central to explaining the relationship between users’ beliefs about new technologies and acceptance behavior [73]. Studies have shown that users’ Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) for new technologies have an influential role in their trust [53]. Lockey et al. conducted a literature review survey of AI trust, assessing what is known about AI trust [75], while Choung et al. examined the role of trust in AI voice assistants based on college students [76]; Łapińska et al. investigated the extent to which company employees trust AI [77]; and Jacovi et al. explored the prerequisites, reasons, and goals for human trust in AI, with the aim of designing trustworthy AI products and evaluating their trustworthiness [78]. At the same time, users’ trust and reliance on AI decision aids may be fragile [79]. Schnall et al. investigated the relationship between Perceived Trust (PT) and intention to use, as well as between PU and PEOU [80]. As AI technologies become common in various domains, trust has a significant impact on the intention to use AI and plays an important role in the acceptance of AI technologies [81]. For example, Perceived Trust (PT) influences the BI of intelligent healthcare services [81]. Solberg et al. proposed a conceptual model of perceived risk and dependence for AI decision making that helps researchers to study trust in and dependence on AI decision aids [82]. Thus, we propose the following hypotheses:
Hypothesis 4 (H4a).
The user’s Perceived Trust of AIBPS will positively influence their Perceived Usefulness of AIBPS.
Hypothesis 4 (H4b).
The user’s Perceived Trust of AIBPS will positively influence their Perceived Ease of Use of AIBPS.

2.3.5. Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU)

Perceived Usefulness (PU) refers to the extent to which individuals believe that a new technology can improve their efficiency [83] and has also been interpreted as the subjective likelihood of potential users [30]. Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) refers to the extent to which individuals accept that a new technology can be easily adopted without requiring significant time to learn [39]. Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) not only affects users’ PU, but also affects their Attitude toward Using (ATT) regarding their acceptance of new AI technologies [46]. As the main determinants of users’ use and acceptance of new technologies [25], PU and PEOU equally have a positive impact on the Attitude toward Using (ATT) aspect of chat AI robots [84,85]. The development of new systems that are easy to use will become increasingly common in the future, and adherence to or deviation from commonly understood standards of ease of use may have a significant impact on the acceptance of a system [86]. By providing an intuitive user interface, easy-to-understand steps, and a quick feedback mechanism, users can quickly master the use of AIBPS, making it easier for non-professional users to create paintings, while also helping professional users to gain inspiration and improving the efficiency and quality of their creations. Therefore, we offer the following hypotheses:
Hypothesis 5 (H5).
The user’s Perceived Usefulness of AIBPS will positively influence their Attitude towards AIBPS.
Hypothesis 6 (H6).
The user’s Perceived Usefulness of AIBPS will positively influence their Behavioral Intention towards AIBPS.
Hypothesis 7 (H7).
The user’s Perceived Ease of Use of AIBPS will positively influence their Perceived Usefulness of AIBPS.
Hypothesis 8 (H8).
The user’s Perceived Ease of Use of AIBPS will positively influence their Attitude towards AIBPS.

2.3.6. Attitude toward Using (ATT)

The use of new technologies has been shown to depend on users’ Attitude toward Using (ATT) and their influence on decision-making [73], and users’ ATT is also a determinant of the use of new technologies [51,86,87,88]. BI depends on a person’s ATT regarding the behavior in question. Attitudes and emotions toward the use of AI devices will determine their attitudes toward the use of AI devices in the service delivery process and their willingness to use them in service delivery [51]. In a study by Sánchez-Prieto et al., student users’ ATT regarding an AI learning program was a factor in determining whether they actively used the program or not [89]. Therefore, users’ decision to use AIBPS may depend on their Attitude toward Using (ATT). As such, we propose the following hypothesis:
Hypothesis 9 (H9).
The user’s Attitude toward Using AIBPS will positively influence their Behavioral Intention towards AIBPS.

2.4. Research Model

This study analyzes the factors that influence users’ willingness to use and acceptance of AI painting systems. Expanding on Davis’ Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), external variables were derived from the literature survey and prior research analysis. Table 1 outlines our hypotheses.
Based on the above hypotheses, this study proposes a research model for acceptance behavior toward AIBPS. Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), Attitude toward Using (ATT) to use, and Behavioral Intention (BI) were taken as basic variables. Four external variables were deduced through a literature survey and previous research analysis: Previous Experience (PE), Technical Features (TF), Hedonic Motivation (HM), and Perceived Trust (PT). According to the characteristics of AIBPS, a research model of AI painting service acceptance is proposed. Figure 2 shows the proposed research model [30].

3. Methods

3.1. Questionnaire Design

The study’s questionnaire was divided into three parts: Section 1 provided a brief description of and introduction to AI painting, as well as relevant images; the second section asked respondents about their gender, age, educational background, frequency of use, and experience level. Section 2 aimed to explore users’ willingness to utilize AIBPS, and it contained 8 variables with 4–5 options to measure each, making a total of 34 items. The details and references of the variable item questionnaire are shown in Table 2. To ensure that the questionnaire was accurately represented in terms of clerical wording, substance, and ambiguity, we first sent it to five expert university professors with an average of eight years of experience teaching AI and art for checking. All data submitted by the participants will be kept confidential and used for academic purposes only and will not be shared with third parties, and their identifying information will not be made public. Each user who completed the questionnaire received a WeChat bonus of 5 RMB as a reward to express our appreciation for their time and truthful answers to each question. As a large scale performed better than a small scale in terms of reliability and validity in an empirical study [90], all items in Section 3 were measured on a 7-point Likert scale (1: “strongly disapprove”, 2: “disapprove”, 3: “somewhat disapprove”, 4: “fair”, 5: “somewhat approve”, 6: “approve”, and 7: “strongly approve”).

3.2. Participants and Data Collection

From September to December 2022, a total of 568 completed questionnaires were collected through the online questionnaire platform Questionnaire Star, a Chinese platform specialized in providing online questionnaire services. Some questionnaires were also considered invalid. As the study was conducted among users who had accessed or used AIBPS, the second part on demographics was closed with a skip option, i.e., “You have not accessed or used AIBPS”, and in these cases, the questionnaires were considered invalid. According to the questionnaire system, only 6 of the respondents in this study had not been exposed to or used AIBPS, accounting for 0.01% of the total, and a total of 40 invalid questionnaires were removed. In order to reduce the influence of typical technique bias, the questionnaire was set up in such a way that, firstly, it took no less than 120 s to complete, and any questionnaire that took less than 120 s to complete was considered unreliable; secondly, invalid questionnaires, such as those with obvious contradictions and those with the same answer given consecutively, were excluded. Finally, the Harman single factor test [104] was used to test for typical technique bias, and a reshuffled principal component factor analysis was performed on each variable. As shown in Table 3, the first unrotated factor explained 28.927% of the total variance, which is well below the critical threshold of 40%, indicating that the data contained no common method bias (see Table 3).
The sample size of this study is an important factor for SEM analysis, and too small a sample size may affect the model fit. Therefore, after rigorous screening, 528 valid questionnaires were used in this study for research and analysis, with a valid return rate of 93%. It is worth mentioning that this sample size meets the required sample size for SEM analysis, which is greater than 200 [105]. Additionally, the content of this study was approved by the Academic Ethics Committee of University X in May 2022.

3.3. Demographic Information

In this study, the data of 528 valid samples were analyzed demographically (Table 4), and then, processed using SPSS software. In terms of gender, there were 274 males (51.89%) and 254 females (48.11%). In terms of age, 134 respondents (25.38%) were aged 18–25, 122 respondents (23.11%) were aged 26–30, and 93 respondents (17.61%) were aged 31–40, with these three age groups dominating the sample. In terms of educational background, 214 respondents (40.53%) were below undergraduate, and 251 (47.53%) were undergraduates. In terms of frequency of use, 153 (28.97%) used AIBPS once a day, 267 (50.57%) once a week, 23 (4.36%) once a month, and 85 (16.1%) other. The percentage of users with previous painting experience was 90.72%. The demographic profile of respondents reported in this study was similar to the demographic profile reported in previous technology acceptance studies, and therefore, warrants further statistical analysis.
The results of the study of the AI paintings systems encountered are listed in Table 5, with Dall-E2 having the highest degree of familiarity at 80.68%, followed by Midjourney at 72.16%, Disco Diffusion at 59.28%, Stable Diffusion at 52.27%, WOMBO at 50.57%, and NovelAI at 33.14%. It is worth noting that DALL-E1 was released in 2021 and was known and used by a wide range of users early on, so more users will start using DALL-E2 when it is released, which is one of the reasons for its high percentage of familiarity. Midjourney can be used on the communication software Discord to easily talk to others and obtain paintings, while Disco Diffusion can be run directly in Google Drive and generates paintings with the highest accuracy, making it one of the AIBPS most often used by professional users.

4. Results

Based on the theory of previous studies, it was suggested that the analysis be conducted in two parts [106]. The first one assesses the measurement model and the second assesses the Structural Equation Model.

4.1. Measurement Model Assessment

To ensure the quality of the data analysis, we performed Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) on the data. The valid sample size for the analysis of these test data was 528, which exceeded the number of analyzed items 10-fold, and the sample size was moderate.

4.1.1. Results of the Reliability and Validity Test

First, we performed a reliability analysis and calculated Cronbach’s Alpha (CA) and Composite Reliability (CR). Since the reliability should be greater than at least 0.8 [106], the final values obtained by the test were both greater than 0.8. Therefore, it could be proven that the findings of the variables were reasonable, the items were retained, and the model was reliable. The Convergence Validity was then tested, and the study showed that the average variance (AVE) extracted was to be greater than 0.5 [107,108]. Factor loading analysis measures the correlations between individual variables and factors, which are usually substantial and significant for all items and need to be greater than 0.7 [109]. The significance levels of the current items were all below 0.05, the Average variance Extractions (AVE) of the variables were greater than 0.5, and the standardized factor loading coefficients were all above 0.7. Therefore, the validation factors for the variables were measured at good levels, indicating convergent validity and meeting the requirements for further model analysis (see Table 6).
Secondly, KMO and Bartlett’s tests were conducted to analyze the overall questionnaire for validity. The results are shown in Table 7. The KMO value for this part of the questionnaire was 0.914 and Bartlett’s spherical test chi-square value was 12,816.192, with a degree of freedom of 561 and a significance of 0.000 < 0.05, which indicates that the data passed the validity test and were suitable for subsequent factor analysis.

4.1.2. Discriminant Validity

In this study, two methods were used to evaluate discriminant validity. First, a method of assessing the square root of AVE was conducted to demonstrate that the factors have discriminant validity based on previous research [110], and the square root of AVE for each factor must be greater than the correlation coefficient for each pair of variables [111]. The values of the square root of the AVE for the discriminant validity of this measurement were all higher than the correlation coefficients under the items, indicating that the measurement questions had good discriminant validity (see Table 8).
Secondly, this study used the heterotrait–monotrait ratio of validity method, which assesses the correlation between different factors and the consistency within the same factor, with an HTMT value limit of less than 0.85 [112]. Upon measurement, all HTMT values in this study were less than 0.85, indicating that each variable had good discriminant validity. The discriminant validity of the variables is reasonably demonstrated in Table 9.

4.2. Structural Equation Assessment

4.2.1. Model Fit Index

As demonstrated in Table 10, the CMIN/DF value for the model analyzed in this study was 1.843, and the value for the remaining fit indicators NFI was 0.928, IFI was 0.966, TLI was 0.962, CFI was 0.965, GFI was 0.901, and RMSEA was 0.040. All of the fit indicators reached higher than the minimum values recommended by previous studies [113], indicating that the model scales match well. This indicates a good model fit [114], and therefore, the model test results could be analyzed.

4.2.2. Model Path Analysis

The evaluation was conducted using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) model, and path analysis was performed using IBM AMOS 25. The results are presented in Table 11 and Figure 3. Eleven out of thirteen hypotheses were confirmed, indicating a positive influence. Among the four external variables, Previous Experience (PE), Technical Features (TF), Hedonic Motivation (HM), and Perceived Trust (PT), the study found that PE and TFs ultimately had a negative influence on users’ PU (-), so hypotheses H1a (PE→PU, β = 0.026, t = 0.616, p > 0.05) and H2a (TF→PU, β = 0.060,t = 1.419, p > 0.05) were not confirmed. However, PE and TFs eventually positively influenced users’ PEOU (+); thus, H1b (PE→PEOU, β = 0.107, t = 2.475, p < 0.05) and H2b (TF→PEOU, β = 0.102, t = 2.339, p < 0.05) were verified, which is consistent with the results of previous studies.
HM and PT eventually had a positive influence on both the PU and PEOU of users (+). Thus, hypotheses H3a (HM→PU, β = 0.254, t = 5.054, p < 0.05), H3b (HM→PEOU, β = 0.377, t = 7.594, p < 0.05), H4a (PT→PU, β = 0.149, t = 3.206, p < 0.05), and H4b (PT→PEOU, β = 0.229, t = 4.875, p < 0.05) were verified.
In this study, we assumed the following hypotheses: H5 (PU→ATT, β = 0.206, t = 3.964, p < 0.05), H6 (PU→BI, β = 0.351, t = 7.989, p < 0.05), H7 (PEOU→PU, β = 0.276, t = 5.177, p < 0.05), H8 (PEOU→ATT, β = 0.347, t = 6.320, p < 0.05), and H9 (ATT→BI, β = 0.539, t = 10.877, p < 0.05), which are also consistent with the results of previous studies. The hypotheses were valid and were all verified.

5. Discussion and Implications

5.1. Discussion

This study aims to investigate the determinants that influence users’ acceptance and Behavioral Intention (BI) toward AIBPS. First, the findings indicate that the external variable Previous Experience (PE) has a positive influence on users’ Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), which is consistent with previous research by scholars studying new AI technologies and systems. The same is true of the inclusion of the variable PE in the external variables of the scholars’ studies; the difference is that for different subjects, PE interacts with different external variables, thus affecting PU and PEOU [54,55,57], and that Previous Experience (PE), as a variable that can influence users’ attitudes and adoption of technology, is more likely to be accepted by experienced users [115]. However, PE has a negative influence on users’ Perceived Usefulness (PU). One possible reason is that AIBPS has a simple and easy-to-use user interface and interaction design, and users may be more concerned with the artistic effects generated by the system itself, so PE is not necessary for users. To improve the AIBPS user experience, AIBPS developers can continuously optimize AIBPS by collecting user feedback and requirements and providing tutorials to help users understand AIBPS. In summary, if users have Previous Experience with AIBPS, they are more likely to be satisfied with other AIBPS and willing to use them repeatedly. In addition, developers can customize their AIBPS according to the needs and expectations of their target users.
Second, TFs have a positive influence on users’ Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), according to previous studies confirming that the Technical Features (TFs) of a new technology or device directly affect users’ PU and PEOU of that system [46,60,61], thus confirming that TFs have a positive influence on Attitude toward Using (ATT) and Behavioral Intention (BI) regarding new technology [58]. However, TFs have a negative influence on users’ PU, which indicates that AIBPS, which generates paintings by simply typing text in a dialog box, has no learning cost for even inexperienced users who have never been exposed to AI painting. However, users cannot be satisfied by the TFs of AIBPS and cannot achieve their expected goals. Therefore, developers can improve the TFs of AIBPS by developing new features, which, in turn, improve the quality of painting generation, the user interface, and the ease of use of the service. In addition, developers can combine advanced algorithms, machine learning, and natural language processing techniques to enhance the capabilities of AIBPS. For the development of AIBPS, this can include an adjustment function of painting parameters, an editing and processing function, a voice recognition function, and a virtual reality function. The editing and processing function allows the user to resize and add filters to their generated paintings, thus enhancing the user’s sense of operation and control; the voice recognition function allows the user to control the painting process through voice commands, further improving the interaction and user experience between the user and AI; and the virtual reality function allows users to feel the charm of creating artworks in an immersive way.
Then, Hedonic Motivation (HM) has a positive influence on both the Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) of users, a finding that is also consistent with previous findings obtained by authors studying new AI technologies [48,65,97,116,117]. Specifically, users are hedonically motivated to create art using AIBPS, and AIBPS provides a platform to create paintings without the need for manual painting skills, which further facilitates users’ use of the system. Therefore, developers can increase users’ enjoyment and motivation, and subsequently improve their BI to use the AIBPS system by providing diverse functionalities and a good user experience. In addition, to enhance users’ Hedonic Motivation (HM), system developers can provide a series of painting styles and themes that cater to users’ emotional and aesthetic preferences. Meanwhile, in line with the development trend of the Metaverse, developers can create virtual communities or galleries to enable users to share their paintings created through AIBPS with others, and add functions to enable users to receive feedback and support within the virtual community.
Moreover, Perceived Trust (PT) has a positive influence on both the PU and PEOU of users, a result that confirms previous scholars’ views [76,118] that trust is particularly important when users try to use AI technologies [119]. The user’s consideration of trust is crucial in the use of AI systems. The higher the trust level, the more it helps to promote user acceptance of the AI system’s services [50], while PT also predicts PU [76]. McKnight argues that to build initial trust, perceptions of risk must be overcome, which, in turn, increases the willingness to use these new technologies [120]. Therefore, developers can enhance users’ PT by protecting the security and privacy of user data, maintaining sufficient transparency, providing a good user feedback mechanism, and offering clear and concise terms of service and privacy policies to ensure that AIBPS quickly fixes and addresses issues and vulnerabilities that arise during the creation process. This lets users know how AIBPS uses their data, ensures that paintings on AIBPS do not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others, and protects the independent copyright of paintings created by users.
Users’ Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) have a positive influence on Attitude toward Using (ATT) and Behavioral Intention (BI). Numerous scholars have previously confirmed this result [25,46,82,86]. Previous research applied TAM to new technologies and systems and found that these factors have a positive impact on users’ ATT and BI. However, previous studies did not apply TAM to AIBPS. Therefore, this study builds on previous research and finds that these factors are also applicable to AIBPS, and that developers need to focus on the factors (PE, TFs, HM, and PT) that affect users’ PU and PEOU, as summarized in this study, in order to better improve users’ ATT and BI. The simple interface of AIBPS allows users to understand its functionality intuitively. As a result, users choose to use AIBPS much more efficiently, which leads to a more positive ATT for AIBPS. Studies have shown that the development of new technologies and systems that are easy to use can increase user acceptance, and this trend will become more common in the future [121]. Thus, to increase user satisfaction with AIBPS, it is recommended that similar products offer higher-quality input images, more diverse shortcut keys, and more advanced features, such as generating a combination of multiple artworks, the clearer presentation of descriptive vocabulary, and faster modification modes. In addition, to enhance the user’s knowledge, developers can visualize the algorithm process in more detail, including various parameter changes, so that users can understand how the program works. In summary, it is recommended that developers continue to enhance the PU and PEOU of AIBPS by providing better features and an enhanced user experience, thus promoting the development of ATT and BI.

5.2. Implications

The results of this study have important implications. Upon reviewing the application of TAM theory to AIBPS and exploring the applicability of the theory in studying user acceptance of AI technology, our research results show that both users’ PU and PEOU of AIBPS have a positive impact on their Attitude toward Using (ATT) and Behavioral Intention (BI), which represents an important theoretical contribution to the existing literature on AIBPS and TAM. As the research on AI applications in fields such as art creation and design is enhanced, factors related to user needs and behavioral habits can be explored to improve the adaptability and practicality of AI in these fields [19,20], reduce user resistance, increase their acceptance and use intentions, and thus, better meet user needs and promote the development of AI technologies in fields such as art creation and design. As a premise for system design and enhancement, these research findings can assist system designers in comprehending users’ acceptance of AIBPS and their behavioral intentions.
In terms of relevant policies, attention should be paid to the impact of AIBPS on the arts, culture, and other fields, and relevant policy norms should be introduced to promote its sustainable development. To this end, policymakers can adopt a series of policy measures, such as protecting intellectual property rights, encouraging innovative design, and regulating data use. Enterprises and organizations should strengthen the management and application of AIBPS to ensure that it is legal, standardized, reliable, and secure. In addition, they should pay attention to the users’ feedback and evaluation, continuously improve system performance, enhance user experience and satisfaction, and promote the market competitiveness and share of AIBPS, so as to gain more users and profits. Therefore, when developing AIBPS, researchers can refer to TAM and use it to evaluate the user acceptance of AIBPS, so as to improve the efficiency of system design and development, continuously optimize the system’s functionality and ease of use, and increase user acceptance of and satisfaction with the system.

6. Conclusions

The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that influence user acceptance and usage of AIBPS. By extending the external variables and incorporating AIBPS as a new technology into the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), we used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to verify the effects of these factors on users’ Attitude toward Using (ATT) and Behavioral Intention (BI). AIBPS plays a vital role in improving the quality and creative efficiency of users’ paintings, reducing unnecessary human and material costs, and enabling sustainable AI development. It was found that Hedonic Motivation (HM) and Perceived Trust (PT) had a positive influence on users’ Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU). Among them, Hedonic Motivation (HM) had the most significant effect on Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), indicating that users enjoy interacting with AIBPS, find the process of AI painting generation interesting, and enjoy the process of creating artworks. Therefore, the facilitators presented in this study should be considered when developing new features. However, the effects of Previous Experience (PE) and Technical Features (TF) on Perceived Usefulness (PU) were not significant, and despite the ease of operation and user comprehension of AIBPS, users were not satisfied with the artwork generated by AI painting and failed to achieve the desired goal. This suggests that system developers should focus on improving user satisfaction in generating paintings. This study highlights the strengths of TAM theory and provides new empirical research on user acceptance and use of AIBPS, as well as important implications for the design and development of new features for the same type of AIBPS. In summary, although the development of AIBPS is still in its early stages, these research findings indicate that it has demonstrated practical value and will play an increasingly important role in the future of art creation and design. At the same time, these studies have raised some issues related to technology acceptance and the user experience of AIBPS, which need to be further explored and addressed in future research.

7. Research Limitations and Future Research

This study has several limitations. First, although a large number of respondents participated in this study, the data were only from the Chinese region and did not have a global scope. Therefore, future studies could consider collecting and comparing data from different countries to expand the impact of the study. Second, this study used an online questionnaire, which makes it difficult to understand users’ attitudes comprehensively. Therefore, future studies could use user interviews or discussion groups to gain an in-depth understanding of user needs. In future research, the model can be used to cross-validate and generalize other factors to delve deeper into the AI field, study the pain points of AIBPS users, analyze the applicability of different models, and summarize the differences between the AIBPS creation process and the human painting process. This will contribute to the development of new features for similar AIBPS, improve user experience and satisfaction, and have important theoretical and practical implications.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, J.X. and H.L.; methodology, J.X.; software, J.X.; validation, J.X. and C.Y.; formal analysis, J.X.; investigation, J.X. and X.Z.; resources, J.X.; data curation, J.X. and X.Z.; writing—original draft preparation, J.X.; writing—review and editing, J.X. and H.L.; visualization, J.X.; supervision, Y.P.; All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

We thank Younghwan Pan for his guidance and assistance with the content of the research.This research was funded by the Chinese Ministry of Education Collaborative Education Project between Universities and Firms (grant number 220605242172594) and the Guangdong University of Technology Online Course Construction Project (grant number 211210102).

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

This study was approved by the ethics committee of Kookmin University (protocol code: KMU-202205-HRBR-005-02).

Data Availability Statement

Not applicable.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank those who supported us in this work. We thank the reviewers for their comments and efforts to help improve the paper.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Abbreviations

The following abbreviations are used in this manuscript:
AIArtificial Intelligence
TAMTechnology Acceptance Model
SEMStructural Equation Model
AMOSAnalysis of Moment Structures
GANGenerative Adversarial Networks
VAEVariational Autoencoders
CLIPContrastive Language–Image Pre-training Models
MLMachine Learning
PUPerceived Usefulness
PEOUPerceived Ease of Use
ATTAttitude toward Using
BIBehavioral Intention
PEPrevious Experience
TFTechnical Features
HMHedonic Motivation
PTPerceived Trust

References

  1. IDC Market Glance: Conversational Artificial Intelligence Tools and Technologies, 1Q23. Available online: https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=US50013123 (accessed on 31 March 2023).
  2. Russell, S.; Norvig, P. Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach, 4th US Ed. Available online: https://aima.cs.berkeley.edu/ (accessed on 25 May 2023).
  3. Zhang, C.; Lu, Y. Study on Artificial Intelligence: The State of the Art and Future Prospects. J. Ind. Inf. Integr. 2021, 23, 100224. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  4. Oke, S.A. A Literature Review on Artificial Intelligence. Int. J. Inf. Manag. Sci. 2008, 19, 535–570. [Google Scholar]
  5. Boden, M.A. Creativity and Artificial Intelligence. Artif. Intell. 1998, 103, 347–356. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  6. Cao, Y.; Li, S.; Liu, Y.; Yan, Z.; Dai, Y.; Yu, P.S.; Sun, L. A Comprehensive Survey of AI-Generated Content (AIGC): A History of Generative AI from GAN to ChatGPT 2023. arXiv 2023, arXiv:2303.04226. [Google Scholar]
  7. Li, L. The Impact of Artificial Intelligence Painting on Contemporary Art from Disco Diffusion’s Painting Creation Experiment. In Proceedings of the 2022 International Conference on Frontiers of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (FAIML), Hangzhou, China, 19–21 June 2022; IEEE: Piscataway, NJ, USA; pp. 52–56. [Google Scholar]
  8. Thorp, H.H. ChatGPT Is Fun, but Not an Author. Science 2023, 379, 313. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  9. Chamberlain, R.; Mullin, C.; Scheerlinck, B.; Wagemans, J. Putting the Art in Artificial: Aesthetic Responses to Computer-Generated Art. Psychol. Aesthet. Creat. Arts 2018, 12, 177–192. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  10. Cetinic, E.; She, J. Understanding and Creating Art with AI: Review and Outlook. ACM Trans. Multimedia Comput. Commun. Appl. 2022, 18, 1–22. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  11. Hong, J.-W.; Curran, N.M. Artificial Intelligence, Artists, and Art: Attitudes Toward Artwork Produced by Humans vs. Artificial Intelligence. ACM Trans. Multimedia Comput. Commun. Appl. 2019, 15, 1–16. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  12. Deng, Y. Application of Artificial Intelligence in Art Design. In Proceedings of the 2021 International Conference on Computer Technology and Media Convergence Design (CTMCD), Sanya, China, 23–25 April 2021; IEEE: Piscataway, NJ, USA; pp. 200–203. [Google Scholar]
  13. Liu, X. Artistic Reflection on Artificial Intelligence Digital Painting. J. Phys. Conf. Ser. 2020, 1648, 032125. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  14. Köbis, N.; Mossink, L.D. Artificial Intelligence versus Maya Angelou: Experimental Evidence that People Cannot Differentiate AI-Generated from Human-Written Poetry. Comput. Hum. Behav. 2021, 114, 106553. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  15. De Mantaras, R.L.; Arcos, J.L. AI and Music: From Composition to Expressive Performance. AI Mag. 2002, 2, 43. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  16. Jeon, B. AI Art Creation Case Study for AI Film&Video Content. J. Converg. Cult. Technol. 2021, 7, 85–95. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  17. Lyu, Y.; Wang, X.; Lin, R.; Wu, J. Communication in Human–AI Co-Creation: Perceptual Analysis of Paintings Generated by Text-to-Image System. Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 11312. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  18. Dans, E. It’s AI: But Is it Art? Enrique Dans. 2022. Available online: https://medium.com/enrique-dans/its-ai-but-is-it-art-fb7861e799af (accessed on 25 May 2023).
  19. Audry, S.; Ippolito, J. Can Artificial Intelligence Make Art without Artists? Ask the Viewer. Arts 2019, 8, 35. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  20. Little-Tetteh, K.; Shchyhelska, H. Artificial Intelligence Painting: Is It Art, Really? In Proceedings of the Collection of abstracts of the II International Scientific Conference of Young Scientists and Students "Philosophical Dimensions of Technology”; 2019; pp. 73–75. Available online: https://elartu.tntu.edu.ua/bitstream/lib/30239/2/FVT_2019_Little-Tetteh_K-Artificial_intelligence_73-75.pdf (accessed on 25 May 2023).
  21. Gangadharbatla, H. The Role of AI Attribution Knowledge in the Evaluation of Artwork. Empir. Stud. Arts 2022, 40, 125–142. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  22. Hertzmann, A. Can Computers Create Art? Arts 2018, 7, 18. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  23. Zhang, S.; Pan, Y. Mind over Matter: Examining the Role of Cognitive Dissonance and Self-Efficacy in Discontinuous Usage Intentions on Pan-Entertainment Mobile Live Broadcast Platforms. Behav. Sci. 2023, 13, 254. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  24. Kelly, S.; Kaye, S.-A.; Oviedo-Trespalacios, O. What Factors Contribute to the Acceptance of Artificial Intelligence? A Systematic Review. Telemat. Inform. 2023, 77, 101925. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  25. Davis, F.D. Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, and User Acceptance of Information Technology. MIS Q. 1989, 13, 319. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  26. Yan, H.; Zhang, H.; Su, S.; Lam, J.F.I.; Wei, X. Exploring the Online Gamified Learning Intentions of College Students: A Technology-Learning Behavior Acceptance Model. Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 12966. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  27. Feng, G.C.; Su, X.; Lin, Z.; He, Y.; Luo, N.; Zhang, Y. Determinants of Technology Acceptance: Two Model-Based Meta-Analytic Reviews. J. Mass Commun. Q. 2021, 98, 83–104. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  28. Na, S.; Heo, S.; Han, S.; Shin, Y.; Roh, Y. Acceptance Model of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Based Technologies in Construction Firms: Applying the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in Combination with the Technology–Organisation–Environment (TOE) Framework. Buildings 2022, 12, 90. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  29. Castiblanco Jimenez, I.A.; Cepeda García, L.C.; Marcolin, F.; Violante, M.G.; Vezzetti, E. Validation of a TAM Extension in Agriculture: Exploring the Determinants of Acceptance of an e-Learning Platform. Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 4672. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  30. Chatterjee, S.; Rana, N.P.; Dwivedi, Y.K.; Baabdullah, A.M. Understanding AI Adoption in Manufacturing and Production Firms Using an Integrated TAM-TOE Model. Technol. Forecast. Soc. Chang. 2021, 170, 120880. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  31. Wang, J.; Zhao, S.; Zhang, W.; Evans, R. Why People Adopt Smart Transportation Services: An Integrated Model of TAM, Trust and Perceived Risk. Transp. Plan. Technol. 2021, 44, 629–646. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  32. Wang, G.; Shin, C. Influencing Factors of Usage Intention of Metaverse Education Application Platform: Empirical Evidence Based on PPM and TAM Models. Sustainability 2022, 14, 17037. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  33. Lin, C.-Y.; Xu, N. Extended TAM Model to Explore the Factors that Affect Intention to Use AI Robotic Architects for Architectural Design. Technol. Anal. Strateg. Manag. 2022, 34, 349–362. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  34. Zhang, C.; Lei, K.; Jia, J.; Ma, Y.; Hu, Z. AI Painting: An Aesthetic Painting Generation System. In Proceedings of the 26th ACM international conference on Multimedia, Seoul, Republic of Korea, 15 October 2018; ACM: New York, NY, USA; pp. 1231–1233. [Google Scholar]
  35. Reed, S.; Akata, Z.; Yan, X.; Logeswaran, L.; Schiele, B.; Lee, H. Generative Adversarial Text to Image Synthesis. In Proceedings of the 33rd International Conference on Machine Learning, PMLR, 11 June 2016; pp. 1060–1069. [Google Scholar]
  36. Christie’s Sells AI-Created Artwork Painted by an Algorithm for $432,000. Available online: https://www.dezeen.com/2018/10/29/christies-ai-artwork-obvious-portrait-edmond-de-belamy-design/ (accessed on 12 February 2023).
  37. Wu, Y.; Yu, N.; Li, Z.; Backes, M.; Zhang, Y. Membership Inference Attacks Against Text-to-Image Generation Models. arXiv 2022, arXiv:2210.00968 2022. [Google Scholar]
  38. Mazzone, M.; Elgammal, A. Art, Creativity, and the Potential of Artificial Intelligence. Arts 2019, 8, 26. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  39. Sun, Y.; Lyu, Y.; Lin, P.-H.; Lin, R. Comparison of Cognitive Differences of Artworks between Artist and Artistic Style Transfer. Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5525. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  40. Zhang, B.; Romainoor, N.H. Research on Artificial Intelligence in New Year Prints: The Application of the Generated Pop Art Style Images on Cultural and Creative Products. Appl. Sci. 2023, 13, 1082. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  41. Sun, Y.; Yang, C.-H.; Lyu, Y.; Lin, R. From Pigments to Pixels: A Comparison of Human and AI Painting. Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 3724. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  42. Davis, F.D.; Bagozzi, R.P.; Warshaw, P.R. User Acceptance of Computer Technology: A Comparison of Two Theoretical Models. Manag. Sci. 1989, 35, 982–1003. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  43. Kim, K.J.; Shin, D.-H. An Acceptance Model for Smart Watches: Implications for the Adoption of Future Wearable Technology. Internet Res. 2015, 25, 527–541. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  44. King, W.R.; He, J. A Meta-Analysis of the Technology Acceptance Model. Inf. Manag. 2006, 43, 740–755. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  45. Unal, E.; Uzun, A.M. Understanding University Students’ Behavioral Intention to Use Edmodo through the Lens of an Extended Technology Acceptance Model. Br. J. Educ. Technol. 2021, 52, 619–637. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  46. Hong, W.; Thong, J.Y.L.; Wong, W.-M.; Tam, K.-Y. Determinants of User Acceptance of Digital Libraries: An Empirical Examination of Individual Differences and System Characteristics. J. Manag. Inf. Syst. 2002, 18, 97–124. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  47. Chen, K.; Chan, A.H.S. Gerontechnology Acceptance by Elderly Hong Kong Chinese: A Senior Technology Acceptance Model (STAM). Ergonomics 2014, 57, 635–652. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  48. Alalwan, A.A.; Dwivedi, Y.K.; Rana, N.P. Factors Influencing Adoption of Mobile Banking by Jordanian Bank Customers: Extending UTAUT2 with Trus. Int. J. Inf. Manag. 2017, 37, 99–110. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  49. Almajali, D.; Al-Okaily, M.; Al-Daoud, K.; Weshah, S.; Shaikh, A. Go Cashless! Mobile Payment Apps Acceptance in Developing Countries: The Jordanian Context Perspective. Sustainability 2022, 14, 13524. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  50. Ye, T.; Xue, J.; He, M.; Gu, J.; Lin, H.; Xu, B.; Cheng, Y. Psychosocial Factors Affecting Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Health Care in China: Cross-Sectional Study. J. Med. Internet Res. 2019, 21, e14316. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  51. Gursoy, D.; Chi, O.H.; Lu, L.; Nunkoo, R. Consumers Acceptance of Artificially Intelligent (AI) Device Use in Service Delivery. Int. J. Inf. Manag. 2019, 49, 157–169. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  52. Li, K. Determinants of College Students’ Actual Use of AI-Based Systems: An Extension of the Technology Acceptance Model. Sustainability 2023, 15, 5221. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  53. Gefen, D.; Karahanna, E.; Straub, D.W. Inexperience and Experience with Online Stores: The Importance of Tam and Trust. IEEE Trans. Eng. Manag. 2003, 50, 307–321. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  54. Gefen, D. TAM or Just Plain Habit: A Look at Experienced Online Shoppers. J. Organ. End User Comput. 2003, 15, 1–13. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  55. Karahanna, E.; Straub, D.W. The Psychological Origins of Perceived Usefulness and Ease-of-Use. Inf. Manag. 1999, 35, 237–250. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  56. Trafimow, D. Habit as Both a Direct Cause of Intention to Use a Condom and as a Moderator of the Attitude-Intention and Subjective Norm-Intention Relations. Psychol. Health 2000, 15, 383–393. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  57. Mailizar, M.; Almanthari, A.; Maulina, S. Examining Teachers’ Behavioral Intention to Use E-Learning in Teaching of Mathematics: An Extended TAM Model. Cont. Educ. Technol. 2021, 13, ep298. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  58. Bouwman, H.; van de Wijngaert, L. Coppers Context, and Conjoints: A Reassessment of Tam. J. Inf. Technol. 2009, 24, 186–201. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  59. Ismatullaev, U.V.U.; Kim, S.-H. Review of the Factors Affecting Acceptance of AI-Infused Systems. Hum Factors 2022, 001872082110647. Available online: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00187208211064707 (accessed on 25 May 2023). [CrossRef]
  60. Wang, Y.; Dong, C.; Zhang, X. Improving MOOC Learning Performance in China: An Analysis of Factors from the TAM and TPB. Comput. Appl. Eng. Educ. 2020, 28, 1421–1433. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  61. Chang, H.S.; Lee, S.C.; Ji, Y.G. Wearable Device Adoption Model with TAM and TTF. IJMC 2016, 14, 518. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  62. Allam, H.; Bliemel, M.; Spiteri, L.; Blustein, J.; Ali-Hassan, H. Applying a Multi-Dimensional Hedonic Concept of Intrinsic Motivation on Social Tagging Tools: A Theoretical Model and Empirical Validation. Int. J. Inf. Manag. 2019, 45, 211–222. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  63. Upadhyay, N.; Upadhyay, S.; Dwivedi, Y.K. Theorizing Artificial Intelligence Acceptance and Digital Entrepreneurship Model. Int. J. Entrep. Behav. Res. 2021, 28, 1138–1166. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  64. Lee, K.Y.; Sheehan, L.; Lee, K.; Chang, Y. The Continuation and Recommendation Intention of Artificial Intelligence-Based Voice Assistant Systems (AIVAS): The Influence of Personal Traits. Internet Res. 2021, 31, 1899–1939. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  65. Mishra, A.; Shukla, A.; Sharma, S.K. Psychological Determinants of Users’ Adoption and Word-of-Mouth Recommendations of Smart Voice Assistants. Int. J. Inf. Manag. 2022, 67, 102413. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  66. Dinh, C.-M.; Park, S. How to Increase Consumer Intention to Use Chatbots? An Empirical Analysis of Hedonic and Utilitarian Motivations on Social Presence and the Moderating Effects of Fear across Generations. Electron. Commer. Res. 2023. Available online: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10660-022-09662-5 (accessed on 25 May 2023). [CrossRef]
  67. Fryer, L.K.; Ainley, M.; Thompson, A.; Gibson, A.; Sherlock, Z. Stimulating and Sustaining Interest in a Language Course: An Experimental Comparison of Chatbot and Human Task Partners. Comput. Hum. Behav. 2017, 75, 461–468. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  68. Cabrera-Sánchez, J.-P.; Villarejo-Ramos, Á.F.; Liébana-Cabanillas, F.; Shaikh, A.A. Identifying Relevant Segments of AI Applications Adopters–Expanding the UTAUT2’s Variables. Telemat. Inform. 2021, 58, 101529. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  69. Lowry, P.; Gaskin, J.; Twyman, N.; Hammer, B.; Roberts, T. Taking “Fun and Games” Seriously: Proposing the Hedonic-Motivation System Adoption Model (HMSAM). JAIS 2013, 14, 617–671. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  70. Mohd Nizam, D.N.; Law, E.L.-C. Derivation of Young Children’s Interaction Strategies with Digital Educational Games from Gaze Sequences Analysis. Int. J. Hum. -Comput. Stud. 2021, 146, 102558. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  71. Nasirian, F.; Ahmadian, M. AI-Based Voice Assistant Systems: Evaluating from the Interaction and Trust Perspectives. Available online: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322665841_AIBased_Voice_Assistant_Systems_Evaluating_from_the_Interaction_and_Trust_Perspectives (accessed on 25 May 2023).
  72. Ejdys, J. Building Technology Trust in ICT Application at a University. IJOEM 2018, 13, 980–997. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  73. Lee, J.D.; See, K.A. Trust in Automation: Designing for Appropriate Reliance. Hum. Factors 2004, 46, 50–80. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  74. Ghazizadeh, M.; Lee, J.D.; Boyle, L.N. Extending the Technology Acceptance Model to Assess Automation. Cogn. Tech. Work 2012, 14, 39–49. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  75. Lockey, S.; Gillespie, N.; Holm, D.; Someh, I.A. A Review of Trust in Artificial Intelligence: Challenges, Vulnerabilities and Future Directions. 2021. Available online: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349157208_A_Review_of_Trust_in_Artificial_Intelligence_Challenges_Vulnerabilities_and_Future_Directions (accessed on 25 May 2023).
  76. Choung, H.; David, P.; Ross, A. Trust in AI and Its Role in the Acceptance of AI Technologies. Int. J. Hum. –Comput. Interact. 2022, 39, 1727–1739. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  77. Łapińska, J.; Escher, I.; Górka, J.; Sudolska, A.; Brzustewicz, P. Employees’ Trust in Artificial Intelligence in Companies: The Case of Energy and Chemical Industries in Poland. Energies 2021, 14, 1942. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  78. Jacovi, A.; Marasović, A.; Miller, T.; Goldberg, Y. Formalizing Trust in Artificial Intelligence: Prerequisites, Causes and Goals of Human Trust in AI. In Proceedings of the 2021 ACM Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency, Virtual Event/Toronto, ON, Canada, 3 March 2021; ACM: New York, NY, USA; pp. 624–635. [Google Scholar]
  79. Glikson, E.; Woolley, A.W. Human Trust in Artificial Intelligence: Review of Empirical Research. ANNALS 2020, 14, 627–660. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  80. Schnall, R.; Higgins, T.; Brown, W.; Carballo-Dieguez, A.; Bakken, S. Trust, Perceived Risk, Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness as Factors Related to MHealth Technology Use. 2017. Available online: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5588863/ (accessed on 25 May 2023).
  81. Liu, K.; Tao, D. The Roles of Trust, Personalization, Loss of Privacy, and Anthropomorphism in Public Acceptance of Smart Healthcare Services. Comput. Hum. Behav. 2022, 127, 107026. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  82. Solberg, E.; Kaarstad, M.; Eitrheim, M.H.R.; Bisio, R.; Reegård, K.; Bloch, M. A Conceptual Model of Trust, Perceived Risk, and Reliance on AI Decision Aids. Group Organ. Manag. 2022, 47, 187–222. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  83. Lee, Y.; Kozar, K.A.; Larsen, K.R.T. The Technology Acceptance Model: Past, Present, and Future. CAIS 2003, 12, 50. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  84. Venkatesh, V.; Davis, F.D. A Theoretical Extension of the Technology Acceptance Model: Four Longitudinal Field Studies. Manag. Sci. 2000, 46, 186–204. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  85. Belda-Medina, J.; Calvo-Ferrer, J.R. Using Chatbots as AI Conversational Partners in Language Learning. Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 8427. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  86. Liang, Y.; Lee, S.-H.; Workman, J.E. Implementation of Artificial Intelligence in Fashion: Are Consumers Ready? Cloth. Text. Res. J. 2020, 38, 3–18. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  87. Chi, O.H.; Gursoy, D.; Chi, C.G. Tourists’ Attitudes toward the Use of Artificially Intelligent (AI) Devices in Tourism Service Delivery: Moderating Role of Service Value Seeking. J. Travel Res. 2022, 61, 170–185. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  88. Khor, K.S.; Hazen, B.T. Remanufactured Products Purchase Intentions and Behaviour: Evidence from Malaysia. Int. J. Prod. Res. 2017, 55, 2149–2162. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  89. Sánchez-Prieto, J.C.; Cruz-Benito, J.; Therón Sánchez, R.; García-Peñalvo, F.J. Assessed by Machines: Development of a TAM-Based Tool to Measure AI-Based Assessment Acceptance Among Students. Int. J. Interact. Multimed. Artif. Intell. 2020, 6, 80. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  90. Dawes, J. Five Point vs. Eleven Point Scales: Does It Make a Difference to Data Characteristics? Australasian Journal of Market Research 2023, 10, 39–47. [Google Scholar]
  91. Venkatesh, V.; Morris, M.G.; Davis, G.B.; Davis, F.D. User Acceptance of Information Technology: Toward a Unified View. MIS Q. 2003, 27, 425. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  92. Yousafzai, S.Y.; Foxall, G.R.; Pallister, J.G. Technology Acceptance: A Meta-analysis of the TAM: Part 1. J. Model. Manag. 2007, 2, 251–280. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  93. Taylor, S.; Todd, P.A. Understanding Information Technology Usage: A Test of Competing Models. Inf. Syst. Res. 1995, 6, 144–176. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  94. Liu, I.-F.; Chen, M.C.; Sun, Y.S.; Wible, D.; Kuo, C.-H. Extending the TAM Model to Explore the Factors That Affect Intention to Use an Online Learning Community. Comput. Educ. 2010, 54, 600–610. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  95. Abdullah, F.; Ward, R. Developing a General Extended Technology Acceptance Model for E-Learning (GETAMEL) by Analysing Commonly Used External Factors. Comput. Hum. Behav. 2016, 56, 238–256. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  96. Castiblanco Jimenez, I.A.; Cepeda García, L.C.; Violante, M.G.; Marcolin, F.; Vezzetti, E. Commonly Used External TAM Variables in E-Learning, Agriculture and Virtual Reality Applications. Future Internet 2020, 13, 7. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  97. Alenezi, A.R.; Abdul Karim, A.M.; Veloo, A. An Empirical Investigation into the Role of Enjoyment, Computer Anxiety, Computer Self-Efficacy and Internet Experience in Influencing the Students’ Intention to Use E-Learning: A Case Study from Saudi Arabian Governmental Universities. Turk. Online J. Educ. Technol.-TOJET 2010, 9, 22–34. [Google Scholar]
  98. Venkatesh, V.; Thong, J.Y.L.; Xu, X. Consumer Acceptance and Use of Information Technology: Extending the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. MIS Q. 2012, 36, 157. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  99. Lu, L.; Cai, R.; Gursoy, D. Developing and Validating a Service Robot Integration Willingness Scale. Int. J. Hosp. Manag. 2019, 80, 36–51. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  100. Lee, T. The Impact of Perceptions of Interactivity on Customer Trust and Transaction Intentions in Mobile Commerce. J. Electron. Commer. Res. 2005, 6, 165. [Google Scholar]
  101. Lean, O.K.; Zailani, S.; Ramayah, T.; Fernando, Y. Factors Influencing Intention to Use E-Government Services among Citizens in Malaysia. Int. J. Inf. Manag. 2009, 29, 458–475. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  102. Liu, Y.; Yang, Y. Empirical Examination of Users’ Adoption of the Sharing Economy in China Using an Expanded Technology Acceptance Model. Sustainability 2018, 10, 1262. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  103. Vimalkumar, M.; Sharma, S.K.; Singh, J.B.; Dwivedi, Y.K. ‘Okay Google, What about My Privacy?’: User’s Privacy Perceptions and Acceptance of Voice Based Digital Assistants. Comput. Hum. Behav. 2021, 120, 106763. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  104. Podsakoff, P.M.; MacKenzie, S.B.; Lee, J.-Y.; Podsakoff, N.P. Common Method Biases in Behavioral Research: A Critical Review of the Literature and Recommended Remedies. J. Appl. Psychol. 2003, 88, 879–903. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  105. Barrett, P. Structural Equation Modelling: Adjudging Model Fit. Personal. Individ. Differ. 2007, 42, 815–824. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  106. Hair, J. Multivariate Data Analysis; Faculty Publications: 2009. Available online: https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/facpubs/2925/ (accessed on 25 May 2023).
  107. Wu, J.-H.; Chen, Y.-C.; Lin, L.-M. Empirical Evaluation of the Revised End User Computing Acceptance Model. Comput. Hum. Behav. 2007, 23, 162–174. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  108. Lee, M.H. Jacobi-like Forms, Differential Equations, and Hecke Operators. Complex Var. Theory Appl. Int. J. 2005, 50, 1095–1104. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  109. Hair, F.J., Jr.; Sarstedt, M.; Hopkins, L.; Kuppelwieser, G.V. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM): An Emerging Tool in Business Research. Eur. Bus. Rev. 2014, 26, 106–121. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  110. Fornell, C.; Larcker, D.F. Evaluating Structural Equation Models with Unobservable Variables and Measurement Error. J. Mark. Res. 1981, 18, 39–50. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  111. Fornell, C.; Larcker, D.F. Structural Equation Models with Unobservable Variables and Measurement Error: Algebra and Statistics. Struct. Equ. Model. 1981. Available online: https://www.jstor.org/stable/3150980 (accessed on 25 May 2023).
  112. Henseler, J.; Sarstedt, M. Goodness-of-Fit Indices for Partial Least Squares Path Modeling. Comput. Stat. 2013, 28, 565–580. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  113. Hu, L.; Bentler, P.M. Cutoff Criteria for Fit Indexes in Covariance Structure Analysis: Conventional Criteria versus New Alternatives. Struct. Equ. Model. A Multidiscip. J. 1999, 6, 1–55. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  114. Kline, R.B. Principles and Practice of Structural Equation Modeling, 4th ed.; Guilford Publications: New York, NY, USA, 2015; ISBN 978-1-4625-2335-1. [Google Scholar]
  115. Bailey, J.E.; Pearson, S.W. Development of a Tool for Measuring and Analyzing Computer User Satisfaction. Manag. Sci. 1983, 29, 530–545. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  116. Oyman, M.; Bal, D.; Ozer, S. Extending the Technology Acceptance Model to Explain How Perceived Augmented Reality Affects Consumers’ Perceptions. Comput. Hum. Behav. 2022, 128, 107127. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  117. Al-Ammary, J.H.; Al-Sherooqi, A.K.; Al-Sherooqi, H.K. The Acceptance of Social Networking as a Learning Tools at University of Bahrain. IJIET 2014, 4, 208–214. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  118. Torrent-Sellens, J.; Jiménez-Zarco, A.I.; Saigí-Rubió, F. Do People Trust in Robot-Assisted Surgery? Evidence from Europe. IJERPH 2021, 18, 12519. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  119. Gefen, D. Reflections on the Dimensions of Trust and Trustworthiness among Online Consumers. SIGMIS Database 2002, 33, 38–53. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  120. Harrison McKnight, D.; Choudhury, V.; Kacmar, C. The Impact of Initial Consumer Trust on Intentions to Transact with a Web Site: A Trust Building Model. J. Strateg. Inf. Syst. 2002, 11, 297–323. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  121. Venkatesh, V. A Model of the Antecedents of Perceived Ease of Use: Development and Test. Available online: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1540-5915.1996.tb00860.x (accessed on 25 May 2023).
Figure 1. Research methodology.
Figure 1. Research methodology.
Applsci 13 06496 g001
Figure 2. Proposed conceptual model.
Figure 2. Proposed conceptual model.
Applsci 13 06496 g002
Figure 3. Results of the structural model test. * p < 0.05, *** p < 0.001.
Figure 3. Results of the structural model test. * p < 0.05, *** p < 0.001.
Applsci 13 06496 g003
Table 1. Research hypotheses.
Table 1. Research hypotheses.
VariablesHypothesesDescription
Previous Experience
(PE)
H1aThe user’s Previous Experience of AIBPS will positively influence their Perceived Usefulness of AIBPS.
H1bThe user’s Previous Experience of AIBPS will positively influence their Perceived Ease of Use of AIBPS.
Technical Features
(TF)
H2aThe Technical Features of AIBPS will positively influence users’ Perceived Usefulness of AIBPS.
H2bThe technical features of AIBPS will positively influence users’ Perceived Ease of Use of AIBPS.
Hedonic Motivation
(HM)
H3aThe user’s Hedonic Motivation for AIBPS will positively influence their Perceived Usefulness of AIBPS.
H3bThe user’s Hedonic Motivation for AIBPS will positively influence their Perceived Ease of Use of AIBPS.
Perceived Trust
(PT)
H4aThe user’s Perceived Trust of AIBPS will positively influence their Perceived Usefulness of AIBPS.
H4bThe user’s Perceived Trust of AIBPS will positively influence their Perceived Ease of Use of AIBPS.
Perceived Usefulness
(PU)
H5The user’s perceived usefulness of AIBPS will positively influence their Attitude toward Using AIBPS.
H6The user’s Perceived usefulness of AIBPS will positively influence their Behavioral Intention towards AIBPS.
Perceived Ease of Use
(PEOU)
H7The user’s Perceived Ease of Use of AIBPS will positively influence their Perceived Usefulness of AIBPS.
H8The user’s Perceived Ease of Use of AIBPS will positively influence their Attitude toward Using AIBPS.
Attitude toward Using
(ATT)
H9The user’s Attitude toward Using AIBPS will positively influence their Behavioral Intention toward Using AIBPS.
Table 2. Questionnaire for variable items and reference.
Table 2. Questionnaire for variable items and reference.
VariablesItemsIssueReference
Perceived
Usefulness
(PU)
(five items)
PU1Using AIBPS would enable me to accomplish tasks more quickly.Davis (1989) [25],
Venkatesh and Davis (2000) [84],
Lee et al. (2003) [84],
Chatterjee et al. (2021) [30]
PU2Using AIBPS would help me learn a lot more.
PU3Using AIBPS saves time and effort and increases my efficiency.
PU4Using AIBPS would make it easier to do my job.
PU5Using AIBPS would help create new ideas for my work
Perceived Ease
of Use
(PEOU)
(five items)
PEOU1Learning to operate AIBPS would be easy for me.Davis (1989) [25],
Lee et al. (2003) [83],
Venkatesh et al. (2003) [91],
Yousafzai et al. (2007) [92]
PEOU2I would find it easy to get AIBPS to do what I want them to do.
PEOU3I would find AIBPS easy to use.
PEOU4My interaction with AIBPS would be clear and understandable.
PEOU5It would be easy for me to become skillful at using AIBPS.Davis (1989) [25],
Davis et al. (1989) [42],
Na et al. (2022) [28]
Attitude toward
Using
(ATT)
(four items)
ATT1Using AIBPS is a good idea.
ATT2I am positively impressed with the ability of the AIBPS.
ATT3I find AIBPS to be valuable systems for creating works.
ATT4I am very satisfied with the artwork generated by AIBPS.
Behavioral
Intention (BI)
(four items)
BI1I find it worthwhile to create with AIBPS.Davis (1989) [25],
Taylor and Todd (1995) [93],
Venkatesh et al. (2003) [91],
Castiblanco Jimenez et al. (2021) [29]
BI2I find it beneficial to create with AIBPS.
BI3I intend to use AIBPS to create in the future.
BI4I would recommend AIBPS to others.
Previous
Experience
(PE)
(four items)
PE1It would have been easier to use if I had previous experience with AIBPS.Gefen et al. (2003) [53],
Liu et al. (2010) [94],
Abdullah and Ward (2016) [95]
PE2If the website had an online guide feature, I would know how to use it better.
PE3By following the step-by-step instructions on the website, it will be easy to operate.
PE4I would have better understood how to use the AIBPS if a friend had first.
Technical
Features
(TF)
(four items)
TF1AIBPS can output quality work without the need for mastering the basics of painting.Castiblanco Jimenez (2020) [96],
Wang et al. (2020) [60],
Na et al. (2022) [28]
TF2AIBPS can provide me with the content I need whenever I need it.
TF3AIBPS create works quickly and in a very short time.
TF4AIBPS can meet the needs of non-professional people
Hedonic
Motivation
(HM)
(four items)
HM1I enjoyed interacting with AIBPS.Alenezi et al. (2010) [97],
Venkatesh et al. (2012) [98],
Lu et al. (2019) [99]
HM2Interacting with AIBPS is fun.
HM3Interacting with AIBPS is entertaining.
HM4The actual interaction process with the AIBPS would be pleasant.
Perceived Trust
(PT)
(four items)
PT1I trust AIBPS to ensure that I can use them properly.Lee (2005) [100],
Lean et al. (2009) [101],
Liu and Yang (2018) [102],
Vimalkumar et al. (2021) [103]
PT2I have more trust in the works created by AIBPS.
PT3I have more trust in the data sources of AIBPS
PT4I have more trust in the privacy protection of AIBPS.
Table 3. Common method deviation test (Harman single factor test).
Table 3. Common method deviation test (Harman single factor test).
NO.Initial EigenvaluesExtraction Sums of Squared LoadingsRotating Sum of Squared Loadings
Total% of VarianceCumulative %Total% of VarianceCumulative%Total% of VarianceCumulative %
19.83528.92728.9279.83528.92728.9273.80611.19611.196
Table 4. Demographic characteristics of the respondents.
Table 4. Demographic characteristics of the respondents.
CategorySub-CategoryFrequency (n = 528)Percentage %
GenderMale27451.89
Female25448.11
Age (years)<185911.17
18~2513425.38
26~3012223.11
31~409317.61
41~505310.04
51~60407.58
>61275.11
Education levelBelow undergraduate21440.53
Undergraduate25147.54
Post-graduate509.47
Doctor132.46
Frequency of use of AIBPSAt least once a day15328.97
At least once a week26750.57
At least once a month234.36
Other8516.1
Previous painting experience YES47990.72
NO499.28
Total participants 528100.00
Table 5. Percentage of exposure to and use of AIBPS.
Table 5. Percentage of exposure to and use of AIBPS.
ItemsPercentage (n = 528)
Disco Diffusion59.28%
Dall-E280.68%
Midjourney72.16%
Stable Diffusion52.27%
WOMBO50.57%
NovelAI33.14%
Table 6. Reliability and validity analysis.
Table 6. Reliability and validity analysis.
VariablesItemsStandardized Factor LoadingsCronbach’s αCRAVE
Perceived Usefulness
(PU)
PU10.8040.9030.9030.651
PU20.798
PU30.816
PU40.805
PU50.810
Perceived Ease of Use
(PEOU)
PEOU10.8060.8870.8870.611
PEOU20.806
PEOU30.762
PEOU40.728
PEOU50.803
Attitude toward Using
(ATT)
ATT10.8080.8540.8550.595
ATT20.740
ATT30.778
ATT40.759
Behavioral Intention
(BI)
BI10.8210.8580.8590.603
BI20.759
BI30.758
BI40.767
Previous Experience
(PE)
PE10.9280.9640.9640.871
PE20.919
PE30.939
PE40.947
Technical Features
(TF)
TF10.9290.9520.9540.837
TF20.902
TF30.915
TF40.914
Hedonic Motivation
(HM)
HM10.8410.8740.8740.635
HM20.770
HM30.774
HM40.801
Perceived Trust
(PT)
PT10.8220.8680.8680.623
PT20.766
PT30.776
PT40.791
Table 7. Validity analysis (KMO and Bartlett’s test).
Table 7. Validity analysis (KMO and Bartlett’s test).
Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy0.914
Bartlett’s Test of SphericityApprox. chi-square12,816.192
df561
Sig.0.000
Table 8. Discriminant validity (Fornell–Larcker criterion).
Table 8. Discriminant validity (Fornell–Larcker criterion).
PUPEOUATTBIPETFHMPT
PU0.807
PEOU0.3900.782
ATT0.3170.3560.772
BI0.4700.4890.5620.777
PE0.1390.1980.1890.2540.933
TF0.1290.1550.1400.1920.1510.915
HM0.3650.4020.3700.5670.2060.1030.797
PT0.2780.3110.3210.4380.1100.0960.3230.789
Table 9. Discriminant validity (HTMT values).
Table 9. Discriminant validity (HTMT values).
PUPEOUATTBIPETFHMPT
PU-
PEOU0.435-
ATT0.3620.409-
BI0.5330.5610.655-
PE0.1490.2150.2090.279-
TF0.1390.1690.1560.2150.158-
HM0.4110.4570.4280.6550.2250.114-
PT0.3150.3550.3730.5080.1210.1080.371-
Table 10. Recommended and actual values of fit indices.
Table 10. Recommended and actual values of fit indices.
Fit IndexCMIN/DFRFINFIIFICFIPCFIGFIAGFITLI (NNFI)RMSEA
Recommended value≤3.0>0.9>0.9>0.9>0.9>0.8>0.9>0.8>0.9<0.08
Measurement model1.8430.9210.9280.9660.9650.8850.9010.8860.9620.040
Table 11. Path coefficients of the Structural Equation Model.
Table 11. Path coefficients of the Structural Equation Model.
HypothesesRelationshipβEstimateS.E.C.R./t-Valuep-ValueSignificance
H1aPE→PU0.0260.0150.0240.6160.538Not Supported
H1bPE→PEOU0.1070.0570.0232.4750.013Supported
H2aTF→PU0.0600.0370.0261.4190.156Not Supported
H2bTF→PEOU0.1020.0580.0252.3390.019Supported
H3aHM→PU0.2540.2390.0475.0540.000Supported
H3bHM→PEOU0.3770.3310.0447.5940.000Supported
H4aPT→PU0.1490.1590.0503.2060.001Supported
H4bPT→PEOU0.2290.2280.0474.8750.000Supported
H5PU→ATT0.2060.1700.0433.9640.000Supported
H6PU→BI0.3510.3430.0437.9890.000Supported
H7PEOU→PU0.2760.2960.0575.1770.000Supported
H8PEOU→ATT0.3470.3070.0496.3200.000Supported
H9ATT→BI0.5390.6380.05910.8770.000Supported
β: standard rate, S.E.: standard error, C.R.: critical ratio (t-value), p: p-value.
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Xu, J.; Zhang, X.; Li, H.; Yoo, C.; Pan, Y. Is Everyone an Artist? A Study on User Experience of AI-Based Painting System. Appl. Sci. 2023, 13, 6496. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116496

AMA Style

Xu J, Zhang X, Li H, Yoo C, Pan Y. Is Everyone an Artist? A Study on User Experience of AI-Based Painting System. Applied Sciences. 2023; 13(11):6496. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116496

Chicago/Turabian Style

Xu, Junping, Xiaolin Zhang, Hui Li, Chaemoon Yoo, and Younghwan Pan. 2023. "Is Everyone an Artist? A Study on User Experience of AI-Based Painting System" Applied Sciences 13, no. 11: 6496. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116496

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop