The Persuasive Power of Avatars : A Repeated Measures Study on Avatar Influence in Human-Robot Interactions

This study explores how the presence of avatars influences decision-making in human-robot interaction and whether who the avatar is representing makes a difference. In a virtual reality setting, participants encountered a robot attempting to cut in line at a supermarket checkout. The robot was presented either without an avatar or with avatars in in four different variations where either a feminine or masculine avatar is shown with a young looking appearance and with an elderly appearance. The aim was to examine whether the appearance of the avatars affected participants’ willingness to let the robot go ahead of them in a queue. Additionally, the participant was under time pressure to increase the cost of compliance. Although the statistical results were not significant, descriptive data and participant reflections suggest that the presence of a human-like avatar led to more thoughtful decision-making and, in some cases, increased compliance. The elderly avatar seemed to evoke more empathy. Participants often asked for more information about the robot’s situation, such as whether it was in a hurry or carrying many items, highlighting the role of context in shaping responses. The study also raises ethical questions about the design of persuasive systems, especially in public settings. As artificial intelligence and social robots become more common, designers need to consider how visual cues, and persuasive strategies affect human decision making. This research contributes to a better understanding of how people respond to robots in everyday situations and opens new questions for future studies on human-robot interaction.