Exploring the Impact of Multimodal Long Conversations in VR on Attitudes Toward Behavior Change, Memory Retention, and Cognitive Load

ABSTRACT This study examines how multimodal communication strategies (subtitles, visualizations, and their combination), affect memory retention, attitudes toward behavior change, and cognitive load during long conversations (+20 min) in immersive virtual reality (VR). Using embodied conversational agents to educate participants on diabetes and healthy eating, we found that all conditions effectively improved memory retention and behavior change attitudes. However, the combination of multimodal strategies increased cognitive load, suggesting a trade‐off between engagement and cognitive demands. These findings highlight the potential of long VR conversations for healthcare education, while emphasizing the importance of balancing cognitive demands and exploring personalization for diverse users.