Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Calculated Trust: The Dilemma of Older Adults in Judging the Authenticity of AI-Generated Videos in the Age of Algorithms

Zhengxi Cao*
Tongji University

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

With the explosion of large AIGC video models, AI videos are increasingly appearing on short video platforms, and the older adult population is gradually showing signs of discomfort and difficulties in the digital environment. Taking WeChat Channels as the research context and drawing on system trust theory, this paper systematically explores the formation mechanism behind older adults' dilemmas in verifying the authenticity of AI-generated videos. Through a questionnaire survey (N=210), the study found that the dilemma faced by older adults is actually a transfer of system trust — from "trust in the platform and algorithm system" to "trust in specific AI video content." The vulnerable position of older adults determines the intensity of this transfer, while the type of AI video content triggers this transfer. By introducing algorithm trust into the study of older adults, this research provides theoretical reference for digital literacy interventions for this group.

Keywords: System trust; authenticity judgment; older adults; AI video; algorithm awareness
Published: September 15, 2026
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2026.36755
Volume: CHR Vol.121
pp. 28-35
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