Narratives of risk, trust and responsibility in the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI): a case study of young Mexican students

Abstract

Social individualization becomes more radical through the use of technology. According to contemporary sociology (Beck, Luhmann, and Giddens), individuals are increasingly inclined to reflect on the responsibility of their decisions, as they must address social, environmental, economic, political, legal, and now technological risks at a personal level. Their trust is therefore in constant crisis. This study asks how young students approach their individualization in the face of Generative Artificial Intelligence (IAg) by examining three analytical dimensions: risk (Beck), trust (Luhmann), and responsibility (Giddens). To answer this question, 220 qualitative questionnaires and 10 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Mexican students (aged 18–24) from public and private universities and high schools in Mexico City. A thematic content analysis of the resulting data yielded three main conclusions: (1) dependence and the loss of autonomy emerge as major risks, (2) distrust of AI arises as a new system of certainty, and (3) responsibility regarding IAg takes shape as a social pact.