When Institutions Fail, Algorithms Prevail: Socio-Digital Institutional Exclusion Is Predicted to Increase Older Adults’ Epistemic Trust In AI-Generated Information

Two studies (65+; N=300 each) will test whether socio-digital institutional exclusion (SDIE) increases epistemic trust in AI-generated health/finance information. Study 1 uses surveys and SEM to test serial mediation via procedural unfairness and algorithmic objectivity. Study 2 manipulates SDIE in a simulated app and measures AI-versus-human choices.