Presentation
Understanding the Influence of Agent Embodiment on Intention to Use: The Mediating Role of Perceived Capabilities and Social Presence
SessionWednesday Poster Session
DescriptionRecent embodiment research has focused on the preference and intention to use physical versus depicted agents. This has overlooked non-embodied agents and failed to explore the underlying mechanisms of embodiment. To address these gaps, we included a non-embodied agent and measured perceived capabilities and social presence as possible mediators for intention to use and general agent preference in our within-subjects design laboratory experiment (N=36). Regarding participants' intention, when physical and depicted were compared, a positive effect appeared, which disappeared once mediators were accounted for. When physical and absent were compared, it revealed no effect on intention to use, even turning negative after accounting for mediators. Additional analyses showed positive effects of physical embodiment for physical and communicative capabilities, shared experience, co-presence, and preference. Overall, findings revealed that although physical embodiment versus depicted and absent increased perceived capabilities and social presence, it does not automatically result in higher intention to use.
Event Type
Poster
TimeWednesday, October 21st5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Location
Similar Presentations