IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/elmark/v31y2021i2d10.1007_s12525-020-00411-w.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

How perceptions of intelligence and anthropomorphism affect adoption of personal intelligent agents

Author

Listed:
  • Sara Moussawi

    (Carnegie Mellon University)

  • Marios Koufaris

    (City University of New York)

  • Raquel Benbunan-Fich

    (City University of New York)

Abstract

A personal intelligent agent (PIA) is a system that acts intelligently to assist a human using natural language. Examples include Siri and Alexa. These agents are powerful computer programs that operate autonomously and proactively, learn and adapt to change, react to the environment, complete tasks within a favorable timeframe and communicate with the user using natural language to process commands and compose replies. PIAs are different from other systems previously explored in Information Systems (IS) due to their personalized, intelligent, and human-like behavior. Drawing on research in IS and Artificial Intelligence, we build and test a model of user adoption of PIAs leveraging their uique characteristics. Analysis of data collected from an interactive lab-based study for new PIA users confirms that both perceived intelligence and anthropomorphism are significant antecedents of PIA adoption. Our findings contribute to the understanding of a quickly-changing and fast-growing set of technologies that extend users’ capabilities and their sense of self​.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara Moussawi & Marios Koufaris & Raquel Benbunan-Fich, 2021. "How perceptions of intelligence and anthropomorphism affect adoption of personal intelligent agents," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 31(2), pages 343-364, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:elmark:v:31:y:2021:i:2:d:10.1007_s12525-020-00411-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s12525-020-00411-w
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s12525-020-00411-w
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.

    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s12525-020-00411-w?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Alexander Maedche & Christine Legner & Alexander Benlian & Benedikt Berger & Henner Gimpel & Thomas Hess & Oliver Hinz & Stefan Morana & Matthias Söllner, 2019. "AI-Based Digital Assistants," Business & Information Systems Engineering: The International Journal of WIRTSCHAFTSINFORMATIK, Springer;Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI), vol. 61(4), pages 535-544, August.
    2. Se-Joon Hong & Kar Yan Tam, 2006. "Understanding the Adoption of Multipurpose Information Appliances: The Case of Mobile Data Services," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 17(2), pages 162-179, June.
    3. Wanda J. Orlikowski & C. Suzanne Iacono, 2001. "Research Commentary: Desperately Seeking the “IT” in IT Research—A Call to Theorizing the IT Artifact," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 12(2), pages 121-134, June.
    4. Laumer, Sven & Eckhardt, Andreas & Weitzel, Tim, 2012. "Online Gaming to Find a New Job – Examining Job Seekers’ Intention to Use Serious Games as a Self-Assessment Tool," Zeitschrift fuer Personalforschung. German Journal of Research in Human Resource Management, Rainer Hampp Verlag, vol. 26(3), pages 218-240.
    5. Fred D. Davis & Richard P. Bagozzi & Paul R. Warshaw, 1989. "User Acceptance of Computer Technology: A Comparison of Two Theoretical Models," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 35(8), pages 982-1003, August.
    6. repec:dau:papers:123456789/12465 is not listed on IDEAS
    7. Ritu Agarwal & Jayesh Prasad, 1998. "A Conceptual and Operational Definition of Personal Innovativeness in the Domain of Information Technology," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 9(2), pages 204-215, June.
    8. D. Harrison McKnight & Vivek Choudhury & Charles Kacmar, 2002. "Developing and Validating Trust Measures for e-Commerce: An Integrative Typology," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 13(3), pages 334-359, September.
    9. Salvatore March & Alan Hevner & Sudha Ram, 2000. "Research Commentary: An Agenda for Information Technology Research in Heterogeneous and Distributed Environments," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 11(4), pages 327-341, December.
    10. Qu, Wen Guang & Yang, Zhiyong, 2015. "The effect of uncertainty avoidance and social trust on supply chain collaboration," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 68(5), pages 911-918.
    11. Marios Koufaris, 2002. "Applying the Technology Acceptance Model and Flow Theory to Online Consumer Behavior," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 13(2), pages 205-223, June.
    12. Swanson, E Burton, 1982. "Measuring user attitudes in MIS research: a review," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 10(2), pages 157-165.
    13. Nicolas Pfeuffer & Alexander Benlian & Henner Gimpel & Oliver Hinz, 2019. "Anthropomorphic Information Systems," Business & Information Systems Engineering: The International Journal of WIRTSCHAFTSINFORMATIK, Springer;Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI), vol. 61(4), pages 523-533, August.
    14. Nicky J. Welton & Howard H. Z. Thom, 2015. "Value of Information," Medical Decision Making, , vol. 35(5), pages 564-566, July.
    15. Anthony Vance & Christophe M. Elie-Dit-Cosaque & Detmar W. Straub, 2008. "Examining Trust in Information Technology Artifacts: The Effects of System Quality and Culture," Post-Print halshs-00641137, HAL.
    16. Gary C. Moore & Izak Benbasat, 1991. "Development of an Instrument to Measure the Perceptions of Adopting an Information Technology Innovation," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 2(3), pages 192-222, September.
    17. Barbara H. Wixom & Peter A. Todd, 2005. "A Theoretical Integration of User Satisfaction and Technology Acceptance," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 16(1), pages 85-102, March.
    18. Nicolas Pfeuffer & Alexander Benlian & Henner Gimpel & Oliver Hinz, 2019. "Anthropomorphic Information Systems," Business & Information Systems Engineering: The International Journal of WIRTSCHAFTSINFORMATIK, Springer;Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI), vol. 61(4), pages 523-533, August.
    19. Moon, Youngme, 2000. "Intimate Exchanges: Using Computers to Elicit Self-Disclosure from Consumers," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 26(4), pages 323-339, March.
    20. repec:dau:papers:123456789/2723 is not listed on IDEAS
    21. Paul Benjamin Lowry & Anthony Vance & Greg Moody & Bryan Beckman & Aaron Read, 2008. "Explaining and Predicting the Impact of Branding Alliances and Web Site Quality on Initial Consumer Trust of E-Commerce Web Sites," Post-Print halshs-00684347, HAL.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Mengjun Li & Ayoung Suh, 2022. "Anthropomorphism in AI-enabled technology: A literature review," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 32(4), pages 2245-2275, December.
    2. Farrukh Rafiq & Nikhil Dogra & Mohd Adil & Jei-Zheng Wu, 2022. "Examining Consumer’s Intention to Adopt AI-Chatbots in Tourism Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Method," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 10(13), pages 1-15, June.
    3. Taoufiq Dadouch & Bouchra Bennani & Malika Haoucha, 2023. "Consumer Acceptance of Mobile Shopping Apps, From Basic Apps to AI-Conversational Apps: A Literature Review," Post-Print hal-04194657, HAL.
    4. Oliveira, Guilherme Gouvea de & Lizarelli, Fabiane Letícia & Teixeira, Jorge Grenha & Mendes, Glauco Henrique de Sousa, 2023. "Curb your enthusiasm: Examining the customer experience with Alexa and its marketing outcomes," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    5. Gkinko, Lorentsa & Elbanna, Amany, 2023. "Designing trust: The formation of employees’ trust in conversational AI in the digital workplace," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    6. Söderlund, Magnus, 2022. "Service robots with (perceived) theory of mind: An examination of humans’ reactions," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 67(C).
    7. Maroufkhani, Parisa & Asadi, Shahla & Ghobakhloo, Morteza & Jannesari, Milad T. & Ismail, Wan Khairuzaman Wan, 2022. "How do interactive voice assistants build brands' loyalty?," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    8. Philipp Ebel & Matthias Söllner & Jan Marco Leimeister & Kevin Crowston & Gert-Jan Vreede, 2021. "Hybrid intelligence in business networks," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 31(2), pages 313-318, June.
    9. Liu, Wenlong & Jiang, Min & Li, Wangjie & Mou, Jian, 2024. "How does the anthropomorphism of AI chatbots facilitate users' reuse intention in online health consultation services? The moderating role of disease severity," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).
    10. Rongbin Yang & Santoso Wibowo, 2022. "User trust in artificial intelligence: A comprehensive conceptual framework," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 32(4), pages 2053-2077, December.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Wallbach, Sören, 2020. "Assimilation and Diffusion of Multi-Sided Platforms in Dynamic B2B Networks: Inhibiting Factors and Their Consequences," Publications of Darmstadt Technical University, Institute for Business Studies (BWL) 123277, Darmstadt Technical University, Department of Business Administration, Economics and Law, Institute for Business Studies (BWL).
    2. Wen-Lung Shiau & Yogesh K. Dwivedi, 2013. "Citation and co-citation analysis to identify core and emerging knowledge in electronic commerce research," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 94(3), pages 1317-1337, March.
    3. Wallbach, Sören & Lehner, Roland & Röthke, Konstantin & Elbert, Ralf & Benlian, Alexander, 2020. "Trust-Building Effects of Blockchain Features – An Empirical Analysis of Immutability, Traceability and Anonymity," Publications of Darmstadt Technical University, Institute for Business Studies (BWL) 120705, Darmstadt Technical University, Department of Business Administration, Economics and Law, Institute for Business Studies (BWL).
    4. Riffat Ara Zannat Tama & Md Mahmudul Hoque & Ying Liu & Mohammad Jahangir Alam & Mark Yu, 2023. "An Application of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to Examining Farmers’ Behavioral Attitude and Intention towards Conservation Agriculture in Bangladesh," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-22, February.
    5. H Dhami & M Grabowski, 2011. "Technology impacts on safety and decision making over time in marine transportation," Journal of Risk and Reliability, , vol. 225(3), pages 269-292, September.
    6. Martin Adam & Michael Wessel & Alexander Benlian, 2021. "AI-based chatbots in customer service and their effects on user compliance," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 31(2), pages 427-445, June.
    7. Francisco Liébana-Cabanillas & Francisco Muñoz-Leiva & J. Sánchez-Fernández, 2018. "A global approach to the analysis of user behavior in mobile payment systems in the new electronic environment," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 12(1), pages 25-64, March.
    8. Weiyin Hong & Frank K. Y. Chan & James Y. L. Thong & Lewis C. Chasalow & Gurpreet Dhillon, 2014. "A Framework and Guidelines for Context-Specific Theorizing in Information Systems Research," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 25(1), pages 111-136, March.
    9. Damon E. Campbell & John D. Wells & Joseph S. Valacich, 2013. "Breaking the Ice in B2C Relationships: Understanding Pre-Adoption E-Commerce Attraction," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 24(2), pages 219-238, June.
    10. Jonas Wanner & Lukas-Valentin Herm & Kai Heinrich & Christian Janiesch, 2022. "The effect of transparency and trust on intelligent system acceptance: Evidence from a user-based study," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 32(4), pages 2079-2102, December.
    11. Adam, Martin & Wessel, Michael & Benlian, Alexander, 2024. "AI-based chatbots in customer service and their effects on user compliance," Publications of Darmstadt Technical University, Institute for Business Studies (BWL) 144613, Darmstadt Technical University, Department of Business Administration, Economics and Law, Institute for Business Studies (BWL).
    12. Shin, Bongsik & Lee, Sanghoon & Lee, Ho Geun, 2016. "Examining an extended duality perspective regarding success conditions of IT service," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 36(2), pages 226-239.
    13. Hossain Md. Motaher & Zahidul Islam K. M. & Masud Abdullah Al & Biswas Sukanta & Hossain Md. Alamgir, 2021. "Behavioral intention and continued adoption of Facebook: An exploratory study of graduate students in Bangladesh during the Covid-19 pandemic," Management, Sciendo, vol. 25(2), pages 153-186, December.
    14. Shahzad, Fakhar & Xiu, Guoyi & Shafique Khan, Muhammad Aamir & Shahbaz, Muhammad, 2020. "Predicting the adoption of a mobile government security response system from the user's perspective: An application of the artificial neural network approach," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 62(C).
    15. Dahlberg, Tomi & Öörni, Anssi, 2006. "Finnish consumers' expectations on developments and changes in payment habits: survey in connection with the research project "Finnish payment habits 2010"," Bank of Finland Research Discussion Papers 32/2006, Bank of Finland.
    16. Nitin Walia & Mark Srite & Wendy Huddleston, 2016. "Eyeing the web interface: the influence of price, product, and personal involvement," Electronic Commerce Research, Springer, vol. 16(3), pages 297-333, September.
    17. Christopher R. Plouffe & John S. Hulland & Mark Vandenbosch, 2001. "Research Report: Richness Versus Parsimony in Modeling Technology Adoption Decisions—Understanding Merchant Adoption of a Smart Card-Based Payment System," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 12(2), pages 208-222, June.
    18. San Martín, Héctor & Herrero, Ángel, 2012. "Influence of the user’s psychological factors on the online purchase intention in rural tourism: Integrating innovativeness to the UTAUT framework," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 33(2), pages 341-350.
    19. Liao, Chechen & Palvia, Prashant & Lin, Hong-Nan, 2006. "The roles of habit and web site quality in e-commerce," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 26(6), pages 469-483.
    20. Fernanda Leão Ramos & Jorge Brantes Ferreira & Angilberto Sabino de Freitas & Juliana Werneck Rodrigues, 2018. "The Effect of Trust in the Intention to Use m-banking," Brazilian Business Review, Fucape Business School, vol. 15(2), pages 175-191, March.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Personal intelligent agents; Perceived intelligence; Perceived anthropomorphism; Dual-purpose information systems; IT adoption;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General
    • O39 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Other

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:elmark:v:31:y:2021:i:2:d:10.1007_s12525-020-00411-w. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.