The Impact of Career Anxiety, Dehumanization, and Perceived Algorithmic Fairness on AI Anxiety among Indonesian University Students: A PLS-SEM Study

Mustamin; Ahmad Syarif Hidayatullah; Putri Nirmala; Akhmad Affandi; Della Fadhilatunisa

Authors

Mustamin Universitas Negeri Makassar Author
Ahmad Syarif Hidayatullah Universitas Negeri Makassar Author
Putri Nirmala Universitas Negeri Makassar Author
Akhmad Affandi Dresden International University Author
Della Fadhilatunisa Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar Author

Keywords:

AI Anxiety, Career Anxiety, Dehumanization, Perceived Algorithmic Fairness

Abstract

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education has raised concerns about students’ psychological readiness, particularly regarding AI Anxiety. This study examines the influence of Career Anxiety, Dehumanization, and Perceived Algorithmic Fairness on AI Anxiety among Indonesian university students. Using an explanatory survey design, data were collected from 70 students who actively use AI-based learning tools. The analysis employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess the measurement and structural models. The results show that Career Anxiety positively affects AI Anxiety (β = 0.234, t = 1.691), while Dehumanization emerges as the strongest predictor (β = 0.415, t = 2.958). In contrast, Perceived Algorithmic Fairness has no significant effect (β = 0.103, t = 0.740). The model explains a substantial portion of variance in AI Anxiety with an R² value of 0.482. These findings highlight that emotional and identity-related factors are more influential than evaluative perceptions of fairness in shaping AI Anxiety. The study emphasizes the need for human-centered AI integration, improved AI literacy, and targeted support to mitigate student anxiety in AI-supported learning environments

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