Using an artificial agent as a behavior model to promote assistive technology acceptance

Despite technological advancements in assistive technologies, studies show high rates of non-use. Because of the rising numbers of people with disabilities, it is important to develop strategies to increase assistive technology acceptance. The current research investigated the use of an artificial agent (embedded into a system) as a persuasive behavior model to influence individuals’ technology acceptance beliefs. Specifically, we examined the effect of agent-delivered behavior modeling vs. two non-modeling instructional methods (agent-delivered instructional narration and no agent, text-only instruction) on individuals’ computer self-efficacy and perceived ease of use of an assistive technology. Overall, the results of the study confirmed our hypotheses, showing that the use of an artificial agent as a behavioral model leads to increased computer self-efficacy and perceived ease of use of a system. The implications for the inclusion of an artificial agent as a model in promoting technology acceptance are discussed.