Analyzing the persuasion mechanism of AI-generated rumors via the elaboration likelihood model

We argue that the "technological realism" of AI-generated content plays a key role in this pattern. It diminishes users' ability and motivation to engage in deeper cognitive elaboration, leading them to rely predominantly on the peripheral route for persuasion. These findings extend the Elaboration Likelihood Model to the age of AI and offer practical insights for online platform management, cybersecurity enhancement, and public education in digital literacy.