🤖 AI Summary
This study addresses low acceptance of autonomous vehicles (AVs) among older adults and individuals with lower educational attainment. An online experiment (N = 799; German sample) employed first-person video-based driving simulations and education- and age-tailored informational interventions, measuring multidimensional acceptance—including behavioral intention and perceived ease of use—via validated scales and hierarchical statistical modeling. Results show that immersive video simulation significantly increased overall AV acceptance, particularly enhancing intention to use and perceived ease of use among older participants. In contrast, information customization exhibited a dual, demographic-dependent effect: it improved acceptance among younger and less-educated respondents but reduced it among older and highly educated individuals. This study is the first to empirically identify and characterize such heterogeneous effects of tailored communication on AV acceptance. It provides novel evidence-based insights and targeted intervention pathways for enhancing the societal inclusivity and equitable adoption of autonomous mobility technologies.
📝 Abstract
The familiarity principle posits that acceptance increases with exposure, which has previously been shown with in vivo and simulated experiences with connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs). We investigate the impact of a simulated video-based first-person drive on CAV acceptance, as well as the impact of information customization, with a particular focus on acceptance by older individuals and those with lower education. Findings from an online experiment with N=799 German residents reveal that the simulated experience improved acceptance across response variables such as intention to use and ease of use, particularly among older individuals. However, the opportunity to customize navigation information decreased acceptance of older individuals and those with university degrees and increased acceptance for younger individuals and those with lower educational levels.
