TY - JOUR
T1 - Busting the one-voice-fits-all myth
T2 - Effects of similarity and customization of voice-assistant personality
AU - Snyder, Eugene C.
AU - Mendu, Sanjana
AU - Sundar, S. Shyam
AU - Abdullah, Saeed
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2023
PY - 2023/12
Y1 - 2023/12
N2 - Despite the increasing sophistication of voice assistant (VA) technology, most major VAs subscribe to a one-voice-fits-all model of interaction. This study examines if offering users a VA similar to them, or letting users customize the VA's voice personality, would affect their perceptions and experience. We test this in a unique scenario where a VA delivers misinformation about COVID-19. Data from a pre-registered experiment (N = 401) suggest that extroverted users appreciate being matched with an extroverted VA, whereas introverted users do not have a specific preference. In addition, perceived homophily in voice increases user attraction toward the VA, and enhances credibility perceptions for those who customize their VA. Those not given the option to customize prefer VAs with an extroverted voice. Data also suggest that automated similarity matching of VA personality can evoke user resistance toward the persuasive information provided—in our case, changing as many as 38% of unvaccinated individuals’ mind toward vaccination after exposure to misinformation.
AB - Despite the increasing sophistication of voice assistant (VA) technology, most major VAs subscribe to a one-voice-fits-all model of interaction. This study examines if offering users a VA similar to them, or letting users customize the VA's voice personality, would affect their perceptions and experience. We test this in a unique scenario where a VA delivers misinformation about COVID-19. Data from a pre-registered experiment (N = 401) suggest that extroverted users appreciate being matched with an extroverted VA, whereas introverted users do not have a specific preference. In addition, perceived homophily in voice increases user attraction toward the VA, and enhances credibility perceptions for those who customize their VA. Those not given the option to customize prefer VAs with an extroverted voice. Data also suggest that automated similarity matching of VA personality can evoke user resistance toward the persuasive information provided—in our case, changing as many as 38% of unvaccinated individuals’ mind toward vaccination after exposure to misinformation.
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U2 - 10.1016/j.ijhcs.2023.103126
DO - 10.1016/j.ijhcs.2023.103126
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85168549194
SN - 1071-5819
VL - 180
JO - International Journal of Human Computer Studies
JF - International Journal of Human Computer Studies
M1 - 103126
ER -
