User acceptance of AI-powered training: extending the technology acceptance model (TAM)

Mohammad Mulayh Alshammari () and Yaser Hasan Al-Mamary ()
Additional contact information
Mohammad Mulayh Alshammari: University of Ha’il
Yaser Hasan Al-Mamary: University of Ha’il

Future Business Journal, 2025, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Abstract Despite advancements in technological defenses, human error still remains a crucial role in cyber incidents, highlighting the need for effective cybersecurity awareness (CSA) and training. Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a promising solution for the enhancement of cybersecurity training. Despite their potential, the adoption and efficacy of AI-driven cybersecurity training tools remain insufficiently explored, particularly in relation to user acceptance. Thus, this study seeks to examine the factors that influence user acceptance of AI-driven cybersecurity training tools. This study addresses this gap by extending the technology acceptance model to incorporate CSA, considering trust in AI and perceived risk as critical mediating variables of behavioral intention. A total of 435 individuals, both Saudi and foreign, working in various industries in Saudi Arabia, were surveyed. The data was analyzed using structural equation modeling to examine the variable correlations. The findings reveal that CSA significantly influences key mediating factors, including trust and perceived risk, which in turn drive behavioral intention. However, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use show weaker mediating roles. The study advances theoretical understanding by challenging traditional assumptions, such as the negative framing of perceived risk, and demonstrates its dual role in encouraging tool adoption. The model explained 64% of the variance in intentions. The findings highlight the need for organizations to design transparent, engaging, and user-focused CSA campaigns that build trust and demonstrate the usability of AI-powered tools. This study contributes to bridging the gap between technological advancements and human behavior, providing a comprehensive framework for promoting AI adoption and strengthening cybersecurity resilience in an increasingly digital world.

Keywords: Technology adoption; Behavioral intention; Cybersecurity awareness; Ai-powered training tools; Technology acceptance mode; Trust; Perceived risk (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://link.springer.com/10.1186/s43093-025-00665-w Abstract (text/html)
Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:futbus:v:11:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1186_s43093-025-00665-w

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
https://fbj.springeropen.com/

DOI: 10.1186/s43093-025-00665-w

Access Statistics for this article

Future Business Journal is currently edited by Soad Kamel Rizk and Hayam Wahba

More articles in Future Business Journal from Springer
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().