Generative AI as an external knowledge source: digital literacy, individual absorptive capacity and sports communication knowledge creation intention

Purpose This study aims to examine how knowledge-oriented generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tool use (GAIU) is associated with sports communication knowledge creation intention (SCKCI), with digital literacy (DL) and individual absorptive capacity (IAC) as sequential capability pathways. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey of 616 university students in Yunnan Province, China, with sport-related academic backgrounds or sports communication experience was analysed using confirmatory factor analysis, latent-variable structural equation modelling and 5,000 resample bootstrap mediation. Composite-score mediation served as a robustness check. Findings Both specific indirect paths and the sequential GAIU–DL–IAC–SCKCI path were significant, while the direct association remained significant, yielding a pattern consistent with partial sequential mediation. Research limitations/implications The cross-sectional, self-reported and region-specific design does not establish causal or temporal ordering and limits generalisability. SCKCI reflects intention rather than observed behaviour. Practical implications GenAI-supported knowledge work should incorporate source verification, human review and traceability. Social implications Responsible GenAI use in public-facing sports communication requires attention to misinformation, accountability and public trust. Originality/value This study conceptualises GenAI-mediated external knowledge input as generative yet epistemically uncertain and advances a verification-before-absorption logic that distinguishes the epistemic qualification of AI-generated information from its subsequent assimilation and transformation.