With a little help from my artificial friend: Functional and parasocial value in ChatGPT use

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools have attracted worldwide attention, yet the drivers of their adoption remain insufficiently understood. This study develops and tests a comprehensive model of GenAI adoption that integrates two central value dimensions – functional value and parasocial value – alongside four classes of individual background factors: personality traits, hopes and fears regarding AI, beliefs about developer responsibility, and trust in GenAI. Using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with data from 638 participants, we examine both direct and mediated effects on adoption intention and conduct subgroup analyses for users with and without prior GenAI experience (Study 1). To capture adoption dynamics over time, we complement this analysis with a three-month follow-up study of 227 participants from the original sample (Study 2). Results show that functional value positively predicts adoption intention among both adopters and non-adopters, whereas parasocial value predicts adoption intention only among adopters. In addition, background factors indirectly shape adoption through their influence on perceived values. By demonstrating the differential role of functional versus parasocial value, introducing four classes of background factors, and incorporating a longitudinal design, this research advances understanding of GenAI acceptance and contributes to broader discussions of responsible innovation. The findings also carry implications for organizations and policymakers, who must encourage adoption while safeguarding against risks such as user manipulation or dependency.