Reducing Technological Anxiety Through Intercultural Competence
Article / Journal
Author(s) / editor(s):
Manal Yazbak Abu Ahmad
,
Miri Shonfeld
,
Revital Cohen Liverant
,
Yair Amichai-Hamburger
Year: 2025
Language(s): English
Abstract:
This study explores the connection between intercultural competence (IC) and technological anxiety among students in higher education. While past research has focused on using technology to enhance intercultural exchanges, there is limited evidence on whether developing IC also impacts confidence with technology. A survey of 174 education students was conducted to assess factors related to technological anxiety, including cultural sensitivity, technology use, and attitudes toward technology. Results showed that higher IC and cultural sensitivity were correlated with lower technology anxiety. Additional predictors were less resistance, greater enjoyment, and higher use of technology. An interaction was also found between gender and media use, where frequent use of media tools reduced anxiety more significantly for women than men. The findings suggest that IC is associated negatively with fear about and discomfort with technology. It can be assumed that openness to cultural diversity is related to a willingness to engage with unfamiliar digital environments. This establishes a possible inverse relationship between IC and technology anxiety. Teacher-training programs should leverage this connection by advancing both competencies in tandem.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-025-09880-4
Post created by: interculture.de e.V.