Self-determination and attitudes toward artificial intelligence: Cross-national and longitudinal perspectives

•Two studies investigating attitudes toward AI based on the self-determination theory (SDT) and basic psychological needs.•Study 1 included data from Finland (N = 1541), France (N = 1561), Germany (N = 1529), Ireland (N = 1112), Italy (N = 1530), and Poland (N = 1533).•Study 2 was a longitudinal two-wave study from Finland (N = 827), examining change in AI attitudes over time.•Competence and relatedness were positively associated with AI positivity and all SDT dimensions were related to AI negativity in all countries.•Autonomy and relatedness increased AI positivity and decreased AI negativity over time. Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important in all domains of life. Therefore, it is crucial to understand individuals’ attitudes towards AI. This article investigated attitudes toward AI through two studies that are based on the self-determination theory and basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness). Study 1 used cross-sectional samples of adult populations aged 18–75 from Finland (N = 1,541), France (N = 1,561), Germany (N = 1,529), Ireland (N = 1,112), Italy (N = 1,530), and Poland (N = 1,533). Study 2 was based on a longitudinal two-wave sample of adults aged 18–80 from Finland (N = 828). Based on the robust regression analyses, Study 1 found that fulfillment of basic psychological needs was associated with higher AI positivity and lower AI negativity across Europe. According to the Study 2 results, based on hybrid multilevel regression models, autonomy and relatedness increased AI positivity and decreased AI negativity over time. The results provide robust evidence on the role of self-determination in attitudes towards AI. Self-determination is an important factor in AI acceptance and is becoming increasingly important considering the rapid development and adoption of AI solutions.