Specific combinations of nonverbal cues can actually decrease perceived human qualities in AI
In short: Researchers exploring how we interact with artificial intelligence found that not all ways of making a chatbot seem more human actually work. An online experiment revealed that while certain design choices can increase our tendency to attribute human traits like emotions or intentions to conversational agents, some combinations—specifically using nonverbal cues alone—can unexpectedly backfire and reduce those feelings.
The study aimed to create a framework for designing more effective conversational agents by identifying technology, task, and individual factors that influence anthropomorphism. By testing different design cues, the team sought to understand how users perceive these digital entities in various contexts.
The research was conducted via an online experiment. A key limitation of this approach is that it relies on self-reported perceptions of anthropomorphism rather than direct behavioral measures, and its results may vary depending on the specific type of task being performed.
Why it matters: Designers must be careful with AI personality cues, as some nonverbal elements can make a chatbot feel less human if not balanced correctly.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Research: Seeger et al. (2021). Texting with Humanlike Conversational Agents: Designing for Anthropomorphism. Journal of the Association for Information Systems.
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/society-research-specific-combinations-of-nonverbal-cues-can-actually-decreas.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Society · Latest · A–Z · All topics
