Exploring retention and behavioral intentions when using social robotics to communicate a weather risk. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rainear, Adam M.; Lachlan, Kenneth A.; Fishlock, Joshua
• Is Part Of: Computers in human behavior. Volume 90(2019)
• Page Start: 372
• Page End: 379
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Social robotics -- Risk communication -- Weather -- Retention -- Behavioral intentions; Interactive computer systems -- Periodicals; Man-machine systems -- Periodicals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2018.08.029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0747-5632

Abstract

Abstract: During weather risks and crises, emergency managers and practitioners are often tasked with disseminating messages to individuals or groups of people who are located in a variety of hard-to-reach areas. Social robotics may serve as a useful delivery medium for disseminating some of these messages, if a group is located in an area that is hard to reach. This exploratory study investigated the information retention and behavioral intentions after being disseminated a mock weather risk message. The results provide support for delivery platform being important to consider when disseminating a risk message, such that novel technologies may actually lead to lower retention of message content. Discussion is centered around the implications of using novel technology to communicate risk messages. Highlights: Delivery platform is important to consider when delivering risk messages. Novel technology may distract individuals from retaining weather messages. Language structure did not influence message action or information retention.