Generative AI use and self-perceived employability among young adults in China: indirect associations through career decision-making self-efficacy and trust in generative AI

Introduction As generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) becomes increasingly integrated into university students’ learning and career preparation, its relationship with perceived employment prospects warrants closer examination. This study investigated the association between GenAI use and self-perceived employability, with career decision-making self-efficacy and trust in GenAI specified as parallel mediators. Methods Cross-sectional questionnaire data were collected from 579 university students in China. Structural equation modeling and bias-corrected bootstrap analyses with 5,000 resamples were used to examine the proposed relationships while controlling for gender, age, educational background, and work experience. Results GenAI use was positively associated with self-perceived employability, and both career decision-making self-efficacy and trust in GenAI showed significant indirect associations. The direct association remained significant after including both mediators, indicating partial statistical mediation. Discussion These findings identify two complementary psychological pathways involving confidence in personal career decision-making capabilities and trust in technological resources, contributing to understanding the psychological dimensions of GenAI engagement in university students’ career preparation. Practically, the findings suggest exploring GenAI-supported career education alongside independent decision-making and critical evaluation of generated advice. However, the cross-sectional design precludes causal conclusions, and self-perceived employability should be distinguished from demonstrated competence and actual employment outcomes. Longitudinal and experimental research is needed to assess these relationships over time.