Enjoyment of AI-generated stories blending art and science: impact on preschoolers' pro-environmental attitudes

Abstract

Background: This study explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated stories that blend art and science on the development of pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors in preschoolers. AI-generated stories represent an innovative educational tool that leverages technology to create engaging, inclusive, and educational narratives. These stories can introduce young children to complex environmental concepts, fostering both cognitive understanding and emotional engagement with nature.

Hypotheses: The research examines three key hypotheses: (1) enjoyment of AI-generated stories will positively influence preschoolers' pro-environmental behavior, (2) enjoyment of AI-generated stories will positively influence preschoolers' environmental sensitivity, and (3) environmental sensitivity will mediate the relationship between story enjoyment and pro-environmental behavior.

Methods: The study included a total sample of 120 Chinese preschoolers from Upper Kindergarten () in Jiangmen City. Initially, children were introduced to AI-generated stories. After listening to the stories, their level of enjoyment was assessed. At the second time point, environmental sensitivity was measured through a game. At the third and final time point, children's pro-environmental behavior was assessed through a task designed to evaluate their actions and attitudes related to environmental conservation.

Results: Findings from this study suggest that preschoolers who enjoy AI-generated stories are more likely to display pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors, such as recycling and conserving resources. Furthermore, environmental sensitivity-a personal trait characterized by an emotional and cognitive connection to nature-was found to be a significant mediator in this relationship. Children who exhibit higher levels of environmental sensitivity are more likely to internalize the environmental messages embedded in the stories, translating enjoyment into meaningful, real-world actions.

Discussion: By combining the creative elements of storytelling with scientific content, AI-generated stories have the potential to become a powerful tool for fostering environmental awareness and responsibility in young children, contributing to the formation of environmentally responsible behaviors in future generations.

Keywords: AI-generated stories; Chinese preschool education; environmental sensitivity; preschoolers; pro-environmental behavior; storytelling enjoyment.

Figure 1

Tested the model of relationships between the study’s variables. AI-e: AI-generated story enjoyment; ES: Environmental Sensitivity; PEB: Pro-environmental Behavior. Direct relationships in red (H1 and H2) and indirect in blue (H3).

Figure 2

SEM model with the standardized paths. AI-e: AI-generated story enjoyment; ES: Environmental Sensitivity; PEB: Pro-environmental Behavior. Values above the arrows are the standardized paths or factor loadings. Values in bold, italics above the variables are the r-squared.