Impact of Digital Literacy on Artificial Intelligence Based Cyber Security Adoption Among Generation Z

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is growing at a fast pace and has changed the protocols of cyber security by providing proactive security, automated risk analysis, and real time threat identification. Gen Z is one of the most digitally connected demographic groups, and knowing the factors that impact their acceptance of AI based cyber security solutions has become more important. The study explores the effect of digital literacy of Generation Z users on the acceptance of AI based cyber security products. This study used a quantitative research design by administering a structured questionnaire to the members of Generation Z. The research framework investigates the relationship between digital literacy and behavioral intention to adopt AI-based cyber security, taking into account perceived utility, perceived ease of use, trust in AI technologies, and privacy concerns. The proposed relationships were evaluated using statistical techniques such as descriptive analysis, Chi-square and ANOVA. The results are expected to demonstrate that increasing levels of digital literacy significantly improve Generation Z's readiness to use AI-driven cyber security products. The results indicate that strong digital skills are associated with more proactive cyber safety behaviors, higher levels of trust in automated protection, and awareness of the benefits of AI enhanced security systems.