From boredom to problematic AI chatbot use: a three-wave half-longitudinal mediation study of loneliness and dual-system self-control.

BACKGROUND

Problematic use of AI chatbots (PUAIC) is an emerging concern. Drawing on the I-PACE model and the dual-system model of self-control, this study examined the mediating roles of loneliness, the control system, and the impulsive system.

METHODS

A three-wave half-longitudinal mediation design was used with 551 Chinese college students at baseline. Boredom proneness was assessed at Time 1, loneliness and the control and impulsive systems at Time 2, and PUAIC at Time 3. Missing data were handled using 20 multiply imputed datasets, and PROCESS Model 81 was estimated with sex and grade level as covariates.

RESULTS

Pooled analyses showed that boredom proneness was associated with loneliness (β = .57), the impulsive system (β = .31), the control system (β = -.38), and PUAIC directly (β = .25; all p < .001). Significant indirect effects occurred through loneliness (.073), the impulsive system (.077), and the serial loneliness-impulsive-system pathway (.038).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that boredom proneness may be associated with later PUAIC directly and indirectly through loneliness and impulsive tendencies. These associations may inform the development of prevention strategies for PUAIC that address loneliness and impulsive tendencies among college students.