Navigating Digital Soundscape_Exploring SHS Students Lived Experiences with Voice-Activated AI Assistants

This study explored the experiences of senior high school (SHS) students in Dasmariñas, Cavite, with voice-activated AI assistants. Employing a phenomenological approach, it investigated the factors influencing students' decisions to use AI assistants, the challenges they faced, and the benefits they gained. Ten participants were selected through purposive sampling and interviewed. The findings revealed that voice-activated AI assistants were efficient in assisting with daily tasks, educational work, and providing emotional and recreational support. Students' use of these assistants was influenced by extrinsic factors like curiosity, family encouragement, and the need for educational assistance, as well as intrinsic factors such as personal interest and curiosity about the advantages of AI assistants. Challenges encountered included technological limitations like voice recognition issues and connectivity problems, as well as personal difficulties such as reliability and insufficient information. Despite these issues, students found AI assistants beneficial for academic activities, particularly in time management through calendar and alarms, and in improving their mental and emotional well-being. The study recommends that users familiarize themselves with AI assistant functions to optimize their experience, highlighting the potential educational and emotional benefits of these technologies while also noting the importance of addressing language-related challenges.