Author ORCID Identifier
0009-0007-8356-4862
Defense Date
2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Business
First Advisor
Dr. Victoria Yoon
Second Advisor
Dr. Yeongin Kim
Third Advisor
Dr. One-Ki Daniel Lee
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Seong Byun
Abstract
The rapid integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) into creative processes has prompted online platforms to adopt governance measures aimed at fostering transparency and trust. In August 2023, Kickstarter introduced a policy requiring creators to disclose the use of GenAI in their campaigns. This dissertation examines the impact of such AI-use disclosures on crowdfunding performance. Using data from 63,829 Kickstarter campaigns launched between January 2022 and December 2024, the findings indicate that AI-use disclosure significantly decreases the likelihood of campaign success, primarily by reducing backer participation rather than influencing funding goals. Further analyses show that greater readability, and a more positive yet objective writing style mitigate, but do not fully eliminate, the negative effect of AI-use disclosure. Category-level heterogeneity analysis further reveals that the disclosure penalty is more pronounced in technology-related campaigns than in other categories. Overall, the findings highlight the tension between transparency and backers' perceptions of AI use, offering important implications for platform governance, disclosure policy design, and creator communication strategies in AI-assisted crowdfunding.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
8-4-2026