Trust in the machine: How contextual factors and personality traits shape algorithm aversion and collaboration

Abstract

This paper studies how contextual factors and personal variables influence the delegation of decisions to an algorithm. Using a multi-armed bandit task, we conducted an experiment with four treatments – baseline, explanation, payment, and automation – where participants repeatedly chose between making decisions themselves or delegating to an algorithm under uncertainty. We evaluated the impact of Big Five personality traits, locus of control, generalized trust, and demographics alongside the treatment effects using statistical analyses and machine learning models, including Random Forest Classifiers for delegation behavior and Uplift Random Forests for causal effects. Results show that payment reduces delegation, whereas full automation increases it. Age, extraversion, neuroticism, generalized trust, and internal locus of control significantly and consistently influenced delegation decisions across both predictive and causal analyses. Additionally, female participants reacted more strongly to algorithm errors. Increased delegation rates improved algorithm accuracy. These findings provide new insights into the roles of contextual conditions, personal variables, and gender in shaping algorithm aversion and utilization, offering practical implications for designing user-centric AI systems.