ALGORITHMIC WILDERNESS: AI LITERACY, TECHNOLOGICAL MEDIATION, AND DECISION-MAKING AMONG GENERATION Z HIKERS

Maneenate WORRACHANANUN

doi:10.14456/aisr.2026.12

Authors

Maneenate WORRACHANANUN School of Humanities and Tourism Management, Bangkok University, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14456/aisr.2026.12

Keywords:

AI Literacy, Technological Mediation, Algorithmic Dependency, Adventure Tourism, Generation Z

Abstract

This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of Thai Generation Z hikers, thoroughly examining the critical intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) literacy and complex decision-making in wilderness environments. As young adventurers increasingly pursue nature-based eco-experientia for psychological restoration, AI has rapidly evolved into an active, front-facing backcountry companion. Using the Theory of Technological Mediation alongside robust methodological triangulation—including in-depth interviews, focus groups, and interactive discussions with university-aged hikers—this research examines how algorithmic tools profoundly reshape human-nature relationships. The empirical findings clearly show that AI is seamlessly integrated throughout the trekking lifecycle, functioning as a vital digital safety net that mitigates environmental uncertainty. However, this deep integration precipitates a highly complex socio-technical paradox. While participants consistently exhibit exceptional functional AI literacy, an emerging algorithmic dependency actively threatens to erode traditional, intuitive wilderness judgment. Ultimately, AI facilitates a hermeneutic relationship in which pristine nature is interpreted through curated data, fundamentally transforming raw exploration into a mediated digital reality that urgently requires careful preservation of human agency within adventure tourism.

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