AI Literacy and Digital Wellbeing: The Multiple Mediating Roles of Positive Attitudes Towards AI and Satisfying Basic Psychological Needs

AI literacy gains critical importance. However, the mechanism of the relationship between AI literacy and digital wellbeing remains unclear. This study aimed to explore how AI literacy supports digital wellbeing and the roles of a positive attitude towards AI and the use of AI for satisfying basic psychological needs within this relationship. The sample consisted of 401 participants, aged 18–61 years. Structural equation modelling was employed to analyse the mediating roles of positive attitude towards AI and the use of AI for satisfying basic psychological needs. The results indicated that AI literacy is positively associated with digital wellbeing. Additionally, the mediating roles of positive attitude towards AI and the use of AI for satisfying basic psychological needs in the relationship between AI literacy and digital wellbeing were identified. These findings contribute to understanding the relationship between AI literacy and digital wellbeing and the mediating mechanisms underlying these associations.