Effects of smiling and gender on trust toward a recommendation agent

Lui, Siu Man, and Wendy, Hui (2010) Effects of smiling and gender on trust toward a recommendation agent. In: Proceedings of 2010 International Conference on Cyberworlds. pp. 398-405. From: 2010 International Conference on Cyberworlds, 20-22 October 2010, Singapore.

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Abstract

This study seeks to determine whether a recommendation agent's smile and gender affect users' trust toward the agent. We also investigate gender differences in trust toward recommendation agents of different genders and facial expressions. We present findings from a 2x2 experiment (male vs. female and smiling vs. non-smiling agents). In the context of laptop shopping, we found that on average smiling agents are perceived to be more competent than non-smiling agents and male agents are perceived to be more competent than female agents. There is a significant interaction effect between an agent's smile and gender on trust in benevolence. Specifically, male subjects tend to believe that smiling agents are more competent than non-smiling agents, while female subjects are less sensitive to the agent's smile. Interestingly, female subjects perceive male agents to be more competent than female agents, while male subjects are almost indifferent toward the agent's gender. Among the female subjects, trust in benevolence is highest toward a smiling male agent. Our results suggest that the gender and facial expressions of a recommendation agent should be considered when designing a virtual salesperson for online stores.

Item ID: 16513
Item Type: Conference Item (Research - E1)
ISBN: 978-1-4244-8301-3
Keywords: trust; recommendation agents; gender; smiling
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Date Deposited: 10 May 2011 00:59
FoR Codes: 08 INFORMATION AND COMPUTING SCIENCES > 0806 Information Systems > 080602 Computer-Human Interaction @ 100%
SEO Codes: 89 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES > 8999 Other Information and Communication Services > 899999 Information and Communication Services not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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