Social influence of humor in virtual human counselor's self‐disclosure. (19th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kang, Sin‐Hwa; Krum, David M.; Khooshabeh, Peter; Phan, Thai; Chang, Chien‐Yen; Amir, Ori; Lin, Rebecca
• Is Part Of: Computer animation and virtual worlds. Volume 28:Number 3/4(2017)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-04-19
• Subjects: culture -- ethnicity -- humor -- self‐disclosure -- smartphones -- video chat services -- virtual counseling -- virtual counseling coaches -- virtual humans; Computer animation -- Periodicals; Visualization -- Periodicals; 006.6
• DOI: 10.1002/cav.1763
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1546-4261

Abstract

Abstract: We explored the social influence of humor in a virtual human counselor's self‐disclosure while also varying the ethnicity of the virtual counselor. In a 2 × 3 experiment (humor and ethnicity of the virtual human counselor), participants experienced counseling interview interactions via Skype on a smartphone. We measured user responses to and perceptions of the virtual human counselor. The results demonstrate that humor positively affects user responses to and perceptions of a virtual counselor. The results further suggest that matching styles of humor with a virtual counselor's ethnicity influences user responses and perceptions. The results offer insight into the effective design and development of realistic and believable virtual human counselors. Furthermore, they illuminate the potential use of humor to enhance self‐disclosure in human–agent interactions. Abstract : We explored the social influence of humor in a virtual counselor's self‐disclosure while also varying the ethnicity of the virtual counselor. In an experiment, participants experienced counseling interview interactions via Skype on a smartphone. We measured user responses to and perceptions of the virtual counselor. The results demonstrate that humor positively affects user responses to and perceptions of a virtual counselor. The results further suggest that matching styles of humor with a virtual counselor's ethnicity influences user responses and perceptions.