Unraveling Gratifications, Concerns, and Acceptance of Generative Artificial Intelligence

Despite the burgeoning interest in generative artificial intelligence (AI), specifically ChatGPT, little is known about the underlying user motivations and concerns that may shape technology acceptance indicators, such as post popularity and engagement on online platforms. Guided by the uses and gratifications and technology acceptance approaches, this study utilizes ecologically valid social media data to unearth user-driven topics and themes on Reddit. We extracted six key themes: utilitarian, hedonic, and social gratifications, creativity enhancement, and technical and societal concerns. Our results showed that specific topics of gratifications and concerns predicted post scores and comments in different patterns. Our findings could offer guidance for developers and policymakers, underlining the necessity for user-centric and ethically informed generative AI systems that address technological prowess and societal implications.