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User-Chatbot Similarity in Communication Style and Avatar Appearance for Enhanced Learning in Education
Pepping,Jesse Wit,Jan De Kamoen,Naomi Liebrecht,Christine
Pepping,Jesse
Wit,Jan De
Kamoen,Naomi
Liebrecht,Christine
Abstract
This study examined how user-chatbot similarity in communication style and avatar appearance affects university students’ learning outcomes, and whether trust in the chatbot mediates this effect. Using a 2 × 2 between-subjects design (N = 88), participants interacted with a chatbot similar or not similar in communication style and appearance. Communication style similarity was achieved by analyzing participants’ written input to generate a linguistic profile, which guided chatbot responses using ChatGPT. Appearance similarity was manipulated using a detailed avatar creator that let participants design self-resembling avatars. Contrary to expectations, the study did not reveal significant effects. Yet, it contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of perceived human-chatbot similarity in digital entities. A post-study validation (N = 21) and post-experiment interviews (N = 29) uncovered potential barriers to user self-perception in relation to digital agents. These findings highlight the complexity of facilitating self-identification with digital agents and point to valuable directions for future research.
Description
Date
2025-12-26
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Projects
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Journal Issue
Keywords
user-chatbot similarity, communication style, avatar appearance, chatbot-mediated learning, anthropomorphism
Citation
Pepping, J, Wit, J D, Kamoen, N & Liebrecht, C 2025, 'User-Chatbot Similarity in Communication Style and Avatar Appearance for Enhanced Learning in Education', International journal of human–computer interaction, pp. 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2025.2600535
License
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess