Why Animators Choose AI: A UTAUT Approach with Mediating Trust

This study focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within the animation industry, aiming to explore in depth the willingness of animators and animation students to adopt AI technologies, as well as the key factors driving this adoption. To achieve this, a comprehensive research model was developed and rigorously tested using structural equation modeling (SEM) based on data from 538 valid survey responses. The sample encompassed respondents of varying ages, educational backgrounds, and levels of experience, ensuring the generalizability of the findings. The results indicate that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions all have significant positive effects on the intention to use AI technologies. Furthermore, technology trust plays a crucial mediating role in the relationship between these key predictors—performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions—and usage intention. By integrating both traditional and emerging factors, this study not only provides a solid theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the implementation of AI technologies in animation design but also offers valuable insights into the future trajectory of animation design technologies. It highlights the substantial potential and value of AI in this creative domain.