Anthropomorphic Characteristics Research Articles

Exploring the mechanism of sustained consumer trust in AI chatbots after service failures: a perspective based on attribution and CASA theories

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) technology has been widely employed in brand customer service. However, the inherent limitations of computer-generated natural language content occasionally lead to failures in human-computer interactions, potentially damaging a company’s brand image. Therefore, it is crucial to explore how to maintain consumer trust after AI chatbots fail to provide successful service. This study constructs a model to examine the impact of social interaction cues and anthropomorphic factors on users’ sustained trust by integrating the Computers As Social Actors (CASA) theory with attribution theory. An empirical analysis of 462 survey responses reveals that CASA factors (perceived anthropomorphic characteristics, perceived empathic abilities, and perceived interaction quality) can effectively enhance user trust in AI customer service following interaction failures. This process of sustaining trust is mediated through different attributions of failure. Furthermore, AI anxiety, as a cognitive characteristic of users, not only negatively impacts sustained trust but also significantly moderates the effect of internal attributions on sustained trust. These findings expand the research domain of human-computer interaction and provide insights for the practical development of AI chatbots in communication and customer service fields.

AI Voice Cloning Technology under Human-machine Attachment Shared Mechanism Behavior Research

AI voice cloning technology, with its unique anthropomorphic and authenticity characteristics, successfully replicates human voice and endows it with eternal value, thus spawning a new mode of human-machine attachment. Based on the SOR model, this study introduces key variables to reconstruct the voice sharing model and uses structural equation modeling (SEM) to conduct a deep analysis of 302 questionnaire data. The research results show that the anthropomorphism and authenticity of technology, as well as users' attachment emotions, have significant positive effects on sharing behavior, while trust attitude shows a negative effect. In addition, attachment and trust play intermediary roles in sharing behavior. Based on these findings, this paper proposes suggestions for eliminating barriers, building trust, and returning to the user as the main subject to restart the human-machine attachment relationship, providing a new perspective for the research on the mechanism of voice sharing behavior under the background of human-machine attachment, aiming to build a closer and more stable human-machine voice symbiotic relationship.

All Too Human? Mapping and Mitigating the Risk from Anthropomorphic AI

The development of highly-capable conversational agents, underwritten by large language models, has the potential to shape user interaction with this technology in profound ways, particularly when the technology is anthropomorphic, or appears human-like. Although the effects of anthropomorphic AI are often benign, anthropomorphic design features also create new kinds of risk. For example, users may form emotional connections to human-like AI, creating the risk of infringing on user privacy and autonomy through over-reliance. To better understand the possible pitfalls of anthropomorphic AI systems, we make two contributions: first, we explore anthropomorphic features that have been embedded in interactive systems in the past, and leverage this precedent to highlight the current implications of anthropomorphic design. Second, we propose research directions for informing the ethical design of anthropomorphic AI. In advancing the responsible development of AI, we promote approaches to the ethical foresight, evaluation, and mitigation of harms arising from user interactions with anthropomorphic AI.

Preferred Distance in Human-Drone Interaction.

In two augmented-reality experiments, we transferred the paradigm of interpersonal distance regulation to human-drone interaction. In the first experiment, we used a simple spherical drone model and explored how both hovering height and approach angle affect the preferred distance. Drone height above the ground had a strong effect. The preferred distance to the drone was larger than that typically found toward human actors, in particular, when the drone trajectory was very high. In the second experiment, we sought to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that may influence this effect. In addition to the simple spherical drone model used in the first experiment, we also varied its appearance and attachment to the ground. Surprisingly, anthropomorphic features increased preferred distances. We, therefore, discuss the extent to which social aspects and subjectively perceived danger influence the preferred distance for interaction with drones, which thus need to be considered in the design of human-drone interaction.

Regretful bites: Exploring the influence of anthropomorphized food on children's food choices and consumption

Anthropomorphizing food is a prevalent marketing technique, particularly for children; however, its impact on their choices and consumption remains largely unexplored. We conducted two experiments to investigate how anthropomorphism affects food choices and consumption in four- and five-year-old children. In Study 1 (within-subjects design, N = 72), children were shown both anthropomorphized and non-anthropomorphized cookies and given a plastic coin. They were asked to choose the cookie they would like to exchange the coin for. The results indicated that a greater proportion of children selected the anthropomorphized cookie. In Study 2 (between-subjects design, N = 144), children were given either an anthropomorphized or a non-anthropomorphized cookie and allowed to eat as much as they wished. Those who received the anthropomorphized cookie consumed less and reported more feelings of regret compared to those who were given a non-anthropomorphized cookie. Together, these findings suggest that while anthropomorphic features might increase food choice, they paradoxically decrease actual consumption while increasing feelings of regret.

O105 ISOLATED NOCTURNAL HYPERTENSION AND TARGET ORGAN INJURY IN YOUTH

Background and Objective: New American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations in 2022 for pediatric ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) established static blood pressure (BP) cutoffs to define hypertension with an optimal sensitivity-specificity balance to best capture target organ injury (TOI). This increased the prevalence of ABPM hypertension, specifically isolated nocturnal hypertension. We utilized ABPM data from the SHIP-AHOY cohort to describe the epidemiology of INH in youth and to evaluate associations between INH and TOI. Methods: We defined INH as wake BP <130/80 mmHg and sleep BP >110/65 mmHg. INH was also evaluated by the 2014 AHA definition: wake BP <95th percentile with sleep BP >95th percentile. Primary outcome was left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), defined as left ventricular mass index >38.6 g/m2.7. Cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF) scores described the number of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (dyslipidemia, obesity, hypertension by clinic systolic BP, insulin resistance) fro each participant. Logistic regression models assessed the association of INH with LVH, adjusted for age, sex, CVRF score, and ABPM tolerability. Results: Of 397 participants, 77 had INH, mostly (62%) due to elevated systolic BPs only. Median age and height were higher in INH than normotension (16.1 v 15.1 years, P=0.022) (height z-score 1.13 v 0.23, P=0.039). Other characteristics did not differ significantly between groups (Table 1). Estimated glomerular filtration rate was lower in INH. Among those with INH, 27% (N=19/71) had LVH, a greater proportion than found with 2014 definitions (21%, N=7/33). Children with INH had 2.61-fold adjusted odds of LVH compared to normotension (95%CI [1.20,5.69], P=0.016). Conclusions: Over 20% of the SHIP-AHOY cohort had INH, accounting for >1/3 of hypertension overall. INH was associated with older age and taller height, mostly due to systolic BP. Compared to 2014 guidelines, the 2022 definition of INH captured a higher prevalence of LVH. INH was independently associated with increased odds of LVH. Future studies should follow children with INH longitudinally for potential development of daytime hypertension. Table 1: Demographic, Anthropomorphic, and Clinical Characteristics of Isolated Nocturnal Hypertension vs Normotension

Avatar effect of AI‐enabled virtual streamers on consumer purchase intention in e‐commerce livestreaming

AbstractIn recent years, digital avatars employed as virtual streamers are experiencing a surge in popularity in e‐commerce livestreaming. However, the influence of the avatars' anthropomorphic features on their effectiveness as virtual streamers remains unclear. This study investigates the avatar effect of artificial intelligence‐enabled virtual streamers, wherein their form and behavioral realism interactively affect consumer purchase intention. Three lab experiments with 604 participants were conducted to test this effect and its underlying mechanism and boundary conditions. Based on the findings, behavioral realism positively affects consumer purchase intention only when the virtual streamers' form realism is low. Parasocial interactions underpin this avatar effect, which only holds when consumers exhibit a communal relationship norm orientation. When consumers possess an exchange relationship norm orientation, the effect of behavioral realism becomes positive regardless of the level of form realism. Overall, our study proposes an avatar effect in livestreaming, and extends the literature by offering insights on the interactive effect of the anthropomorphic features of human‐like avatars (as virtual streamers) on the effectiveness of e‐commerce livestreaming. By revealing the mechanisms and boundary conditions of this effect, our conclusions offer guidance for companies in developing appropriate combinations of form and behavioral realism for the avatars of virtual streams while considering consumer characteristics.

Impact of cultural tightness on consumers' preference for anthropomorphic AI services

AbstractThe current research examines how cultural factors shape consumer preferences for anthropomorphic AI services. The authors investigate the impact of cultural tightness‐looseness, a measure of the strictness of social norms and the tolerance for nonconformity, on the acceptance of anthropomorphic AI services. Through analysis of more than 12,000 product reviews and four experiments, the findings indicate that cultural tightness reduces consumer preference for AI services with anthropomorphic characteristics. The results pinpoint social interaction anxiety as a mediator, whereby increased anxiety due to high cultural tightness subsequently lowers the preference for anthropomorphic AI services. Perceived human identity threat as an alternative explanation for this effect is ruled out. The results further show that the effect of cultural tightness is context‐dependent, affecting preferences in public settings but not private ones. This research bridges a critical gap in knowledge about consumer preferences for AI services, highlighting the significant impact of cultural factors. These findings are crucial for designing products, crafting marketing strategies, and shaping policies in a world increasingly influenced by AI.

Scenario-Based Approach to AI’s Agency to Perform Human-Specific Tasks

Abstract The development of service robots and chatbots has changed the way companies interact with their customers. Several automated tasks have been taken over by AI, such as communication with customers, processing of orders and also other automated tasks. To measure the impact AI will have on our society, we have analyzed AI’s agency by testing different scenarios of AI’s ability to perform human-specific tasks such as having own political opinions, religious beliefs and other situations which go beyond the simple execution of tasks. The results show that consumers perceive a low probability that AI has such thoughts. However, AI with stronger anthropomorphic characteristics is more likely to have agency to perform these types of tasks. According to our study, a human-like appearance enhances the perception that AI can have political views, religious beliefs and an own identity. Moreover, people consider that AI with anthropomorphic characteristics should be responsible for their mistakes and punished if they do something wrong. In spite of this, AI, independent of its anthropomorphic characteristics, is not believed to have the ability to solve mankind problems such as reducing pollution, stabilizing the world economy or to ensure world peace. Our research also shows that men are more inclined to attribute agency to AI compared to women, which perceive a lower AI agency.

Anthropomorphic and Physical Fitness Characteristics of United States Air Force Basic Military Training: Special Warfare Versus Nonspecial Warfare Recruits, Fiscal Year 2019-2023.

Each year, thousands of individuals enlist in the Department of the Air Force (DAF), with some seeking to become DAF Special Warfare (SW) candidates. This study aimed to compare the anthropomorphic and physical fitness characteristics between these groups during fiscal years (FYs) 2019-2023. The sample includes male candidates below the age of 30 who attended the DAF basic military training (BMT) from FY2019 to 2023 (N = 119,415). Initial physical fitness testing was conducted during week 1 of BMT. Physical fitness results, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were compared between the two cohorts. A two-way analysis of variance was performed to analyze the effects of group (SWand non-SW) and FY on mean anthropomorphic and physical fitness test variables. Dependent variables were evaluated for homogeneity of variance using Levene's test and for normality using the Shapiro-Wilktest. The Tukey-Kramer test was employed for post hoc analyses with a threshold for statistical significance of α < 0.05. The cohort of SW recruits displayed superior physical fitness results across all FYs (p < 0.001) with the exception of FY2021. They were significantly taller and heavier, and had a higher BMI when compared to non-SW DAF BMT recruits (p < 0.001). Mean values for maximum push-ups and sit-ups for SW recruits were significantly lower in FY2021 (p < 0.001) and not significantly different from non-SW recruits. Additionally, run times for both SW- and non-SW-bound recruits during FY2022 and FY2023 were significantly slower than previous years. These findings can be used to establish a baseline for anthropometric and physical fitness profiles of incoming SW and non-SW DAF BMT recruits that may inform clinicians, human performance professionals, and military training leaders with information necessary to guide future research and physical fitness policy.

Optimizing service encounters through mascot-like robot with a politeness strategy

Mascot-like service robots embody anthropomorphic features, fostering affinity, and cultural representation. It is unknown whether they have politeness strategies that are more effective compared to humanoid robots. Drawing on politeness, uncanny valley, and mind perception theories, this study investigates the interaction effect of service robot appearance types (humanoid and mascot-like) and politeness strategies on customers’ service encounter evaluation, as well as the psychological mechanisms and boundary conditions of this effect. The findings reveal the superiority of mascot-like robots over humanoid robots in positive politeness contexts; human identity threat mediated this effect. Sense of power plays a moderating role; specifically, mascot robots with positive politeness strategies are more appealing to customers with low sense of power. This research significantly contributes to our understanding of service robot appearance and communication within the framework of mind perception and politeness theories in human–robot interaction. Moreover, it offers valuable guidance for companies enhancing consumer experiences through service robots.

How does the anthropomorphism of AI chatbots facilitate users' reuse intention in online health consultation services? The moderating role of disease severity

This study aims to ascertain the significance of the anthropomorphic features of AI chatbots in online health consultation (OHC) services. A conceptual model drawing on social presence theory was developed to interpret the paths through which the anthropomorphic features of AI chatbots influence users' intentions to reuse OHC services. A total of 502 valid responses were collected through an experimental survey and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results suggest that all the proposed anthropomorphic features of AI chatbots can enhance users perceived social presence and facilitate their communication quality with and trust in AI chatbots directly and/or indirectly, eventually leading to a high intention to reuse OHC services. In addition, the influence of perceived social presence on trust and communication quality was more significant for those experiencing relatively mild symptoms of the disease than for those experiencing intense symptoms. This study contributes by proposing a framework from the perspective of anthropomorphism and social presence to understand users' behavioral intentions in the OHC context. The findings of the empirical analysis have key implications for the improvement of OHC services.

Embracing digital companions: Unveiling customer engagement with anthropomorphic AI service robots in cross-cultural context

The current understanding of anthropomorphic AI service robots (AISR) remains mostly fragmented in literature. Based on related research and CASA framework, this research aims to combine the fragmented insights of AISR literature by taking holistic view of anthropomorphic characteristics of AISR and its impact on customer engagement and intention to use subsequently. Results are based on two cross-cultural studies, the individualistic culture of Canada (n = 318) and the collectivist culture of India (n = 347). The outcomes reveal positive associations between anthropomorphic characteristics of AISR and customer engagement, which further affects intention to use. Empathy significantly moderates the relationship between anthropomorphic characteristics of AISR and customer engagement. The cross-cultural nature of this study lays the foundation for design and development of anthropomorphic AISR in different service context.

Modeling and Control of a Novel Variable Stiffness Three DoFs Wrist

This study introduces an innovative design for a Variable Stiffness 3 Degrees of Freedom actuated wrist capable of actively and continuously adjusting its overall stiffness by modulating the active length of non-linear elastic elements. This modulation is akin to human muscular cocontraction and is achieved using only four motors. The mechanical configuration employed results in a compact and lightweight device with anthropomorphic characteristics, making it potentially suitable for applications such as prosthetics and humanoid robotics. This design aims to enhance performance in dynamic tasks, improve task adaptability, and ensure safety during interactions with both people and objects. The paper details the first hardware implementation of the proposed design, providing insights into the theoretical model, mechanical and electronic components, as well as the control architecture. System performance is assessed using a motion capture system. The results demonstrate that the prototype offers a broad range of motion ([55, −45]° for flexion/extension, ±48° for radial/ulnar deviation, and ±180° for pronation/supination) while having the capability to triple its stiffness. Furthermore, following proper calibration, the wrist posture can be reconstructed through multivariate linear regression using rotational encoders and the forward kinematic model. This reconstruction achieves an average Root Mean Square Error of 6.6°, with an R2 value of 0.93.

Consumer acceptance of urban drone delivery: The role of perceived anthropomorphic characteristics

With the growth of online retailing, drone delivery has emerged as a potential solution for efficient last-mile delivery. As consumer acceptance is a key prerequisite for the wide application of drones, this research aims to understand the role of anthropomorphic characteristics in consumer acceptance of drone delivery services. The theoretical explanatory model is anchored on the theory of planned behaviour and anthropomorphism theory. A total of 450 responses were collected from Singapore. It was found that perceived anthropomorphic characteristics of delivery drones and interaction quality with delivery drones positively and significantly impact consumers' behavioural intention toward drone delivery. In addition, the findings suggested that perceived anthropomorphic characteristics of delivery drones positively and indirectly influence consumers' behavioural intentions through subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and attitudes. This study contributes to behavioural research by introducing anthropomorphism to explain consumers' intentions toward drone delivery. The results provide practical implications for drone manufacturers, service providers, and regulators for fostering consumers' acceptance of drones via product design, marketing, and regulations.

Perception of robotic actions and the influence of gender.

In our society interaction with robots is becoming more and more frequent since robots are not only used in the industry, but increasingly often in assistance and in health system. Perception of robots and their movements is crucial for their acceptance. Here we shortly review basic mechanisms of perception of actions, and then of perception of robotic and human movements. The literature demonstrates that there are commonalities, but also differences in the perception of human and robotic movements. Especially interesting are biologic gender differences in the perception of robotic movements. The results show that males seem to be more sensitive to the differences between robotic and anthropomorphic movements, whereas females seem not to perceive such differences. However, females transfer more anthropomorphic features to robotic movements. While looking at the brain activation during perception of humanoid and robotic movements in different genders one can conclude that different strategies are used; female seem to analyse robotic movements online, while male seem to use previous knowledge from interaction with robots. Further research is needed to specify more such gender differences.

Anthropomorphism and Human-Robot Interaction

Exploring how human apppreciation for and interactions with robots are influenced by anthropomorphic features.

Continuous Use of Mobile Banking Applications: The Role of Process Virtualizability, Anthropomorphism and Virtual Process Failure Risk

Aim/Purpose: The research aims to investigate the factors that influence the continuous use of mobile banking applications to complete banking monetary transactions. Background: Despite a significant increase in the use of mobile banking applications, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, new evidence indicates that the use rate of mobile banking applications for operating banking monetary transactions has declined. Methodology: The study proposed an integrated model based mainly on the process virtualization theory (PVT) with other novel factors such as mobile banking application anthropomorphism and virtual process failure risk. The study model was empirically validated using structural equation modeling analysis on quantitative data from 484 mobile banking application users from Jordan. Contribution: The study focuses on continuing use or post-adoption behavior rather than pre-adoption behavior. This is important since the maximum and long-term viability, as well as the financial investment in mobile banking applications, depend on regular usage rather than first-time use or initial experience. Findings: The results indicate that process virtualizable and anthropomorphism have a strong positive impact on bank customers’ decisions to continue using mobile banking applications to complete banking monetary transactions. Meanwhile, the negative impact of virtualization process failure risk on continuous use has been discovered. The found factors explain 67.5% of the variance in continuous use. Recommendations for Practitioners: The study identified novel, significant factors that affect bank customers’ decisions to use mobile banking applications frequently, and these factors should be examined, matched, satisfied, or addressed when redesigning or upgrading mobile applications. Banks should provide users with clear directions, processes, or tutorials on how to complete monetary transactions effectively. They should also embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to improve their applications and products with anthropomorphic features like speech synthesizers, Chatbots, and AI-powered virtual bank assistants. This is expected to help bank customers conduct various banking services conveniently and securely, just as if interacting with real people. The study further recommends that banks create and publish clear norms and procedures, as well as promote tolerance and protect consumers’ rights when the process fails or mistakes occur. Recommendation for Researchers: The study provides measurement items that were specifically built for the context of mobile banking applications based on PVT notions. Researchers are invited to reuse, test, and modify existing measurement items, as well as submit new ones if necessary. The study model does not consider psychological aspects like trust and satisfaction, which would provide additional insight into factors affecting continuing use. Researchers could potentially take a different approach by focusing on user resistance and non-adoption. Impact on Society: Financial inclusion is problematic, particularly in underdeveloped nations. According to financial inclusion research, Jordanians rarely utilize mobile banking apps. Continuous usage of mobile banking applications will be extremely beneficial in closing the financial inclusion gap, particularly among women. Furthermore, it could help the country’s efforts to transition to a digital society. Future Research: The majority of study participants are from urban areas. Future studies should focus on consumers who live in rural areas. It was also suggested that the elderly be targeted because they may have different views/perspectives on the continued use of mobile banking applications.

ОБРАЗНИЙ КОМПОНЕНТ КОНЦЕПТУ «ALGARROBO» В АРГЕНТИНСЬКОМУ ФОЛЬКЛОРІ

The concept of algarrobo in Argentine folklore is a mental structure that reflects an understanding of reality. It affects the way in which the surrounding world is perceived and facilitates interaction with this surrounding world. The article clarifies the role of the figurative component of the concept of algarrobo in the formation of the linguistic picture of the world of Argentines through folklore, studies the interpretations through which this influence takes place, investigates how language and the concept of algarrobo interact and are interconnected. In the cognitive space of every country there are plants which are symbols of the homeland. They symbolize her beauty, serve as talismans in times of trouble, protect, give health, strength and inspiration, comfort during being in other lands. Such is the carob tree (algarrobo) in Argentine folklore. The algarrobo concept occupies a prominent place in the Argentine cognitive-linguistic picture of the world, because it is a universal national and spiritual cognitive unit. The use of the algarrobo concept gives the discourse a certain cognitive coloring, namely, it conveys such images as: homesickness, a symbol of the native area, "my home", "my yard", "my little homeland", "my area where these trees grow", definition of national identification. As a symbol of the native place, algarrobo evokes images of happiness, joy, satisfaction, inner warmth. In addition, algarrobo is a sign of certain events in the homeland. Also, in the language picture of the world of Argentine folklore, the algarrobo concept has inherent anthropomorphic features. "A tree is a person." A tree can feel everything that a person feels, make human movements. The use of age-related epithets añoso, añejo, viejo indicates that the image of the algarrobo concept has a stable symbolic counterpart: associatively with a person, one can talk about old age, wisdom, experience and memory.

Consumer and Chatbots – A New Level of Interaction: A Systematic Review

The purpose of the article is to synthesize the scientific activity to date on the use of chatbots in market practice. Emphasis is placed on the issues of resulting consumer satisfaction. The cognitive purpose of the article is also to identify future directions of research on chatbots in a scientific and business perspective. The article presents a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis of publications published in Scopus and Web of Science databases conducted with the Bibiometrix package in the R environment. In the further part of the article, the analysis of secondary data - mentions of chatbots published on websites- is presented with the help of Brand24 software. A systematic review of the literature indicated the dominance of US, Chinese and UK publications. This raises the assumption that research on consumers and their satisfaction resulting from interactions with chatbots may overlook cultural or linguistic aspects, which are essential for further developing chatbots' anthropomorphic features, their level of social acceptance, or technological anxiety. The analysis conducted with the help of Brand24 software showed a relatively large number of mentions of chatbots. It is important that researchers on the title issue are also an important voice in the social discourse. Academic research on chatbots and their better understanding can help in implementing and accepting social acceptance. The article addresses an important and timely research issue. In light of the research results obtained, it can be concluded that still few scientific publications have been undertaken in this area.