Study finds: Older adults place greater value on the realism of AI companion chatbots
Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) conducted experiments with 140 elderly individuals aged 60 to 89 who lived independently. They found that older adults valued the realism of AI companion chatbots more than their anthropomorphism. The study was published in the journal “Ageing Innovation,” focusing on the impact of factors such as technology acceptance, anthropomorphism, and realism on usage willingness. Results showed that when interactions were characterized by mutual response and intimate communication, older adults were more willing to use Ami Chat; however, those who believed the robot resembled a real person showed lower willingness to use it. Additionally, older adults with lower self-perceived health conditions were more willing to use it. Based on these findings, the research team suggests that chatbots should be able to remember conversations and adjust according to user preferences. The interface should be simple, and instead of pursuing excessive anthropomorphism, users should be clearly informed that they are dealing with AI. Ami Chat has been renamed Ami-Go, and tracking its long-term use by older adults in daily environments is planned.