Advancements in artificial intelligence-powered search engines have enhanced the efficiency of online health information searches by generating direct answers to queries using top-ranked featured snippets (FS). However, such functionalities may contribute to health anxiety, particularly when the displayed results are distressing. This study investigated the effect of algorithmic transparency (AT) explanations (absence vs. presence) on mitigating FS-triggered health anxiety. The results of an online experiment (N = 206) yielded two key findings: First, participants exposed to AT explanations detailing the selection process of FS experienced reduced trust in the search engine and distressing results, which subsequently alleviated health anxiety. Second, the moderating effect of pre-existing cyberchondria on the relationship between AT explanations and trust was observed, but only within a limited threshold. Overall, the findings empirically validate AT explanations as an effective approach to mitigate FS-induced health anxiety. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

This study explored the relationships between three types of Internet use (i.e. educational, socialising, and entertainment) and externalising behaviours in early adolescents. Using a representative sample of early adolescents in China (N = 819, Mage = 11.76), the result revealed that the indirect effect of educational Internet use on externalising behaviours was serially mediated by depression and self-control. Meanwhile, entertainment Internet use was found to be indirectly associated with a higher level of externalising behaviour via self-control. Last, socialising Internet use was found to have no effect on externalising behaviours and the two mediators. Theoretical implications for Internet use and externalising behaviours, as well as practical implications for problematic behaviour interventions are discussed.

In avatar-mediated communications, users often cannot identify how others’ avatars are created, which is one of the important information they need to evaluate others. Thus, we tested a social virtual world that is transparent about others’ avatar-creation methods and investigated how knowing about others’ avatar-creation methods shapes users’ perceptions of others and their self-disclosure. We conducted a 2x2 mixed-design experiment with system design (nontransparent vs. transparent system) as a between-subjects and avatar-creation method (customized vs. personalized avatar) as a within-subjects variable with 60 participants. The results revealed that personalized avatars in the transparent system were viewed less positively than customized avatars in the transparent system or avatars in the nontransparent system. These avatars appeared less comfortable and honest in their self-disclosure and less competent. Interestingly, avatars in the nontransparent system attracted more followers. Our results suggest being cautious when creating a social virtual world that discloses the avatar-creation process.

This study proposes design, uniqueness, and screen size as the key components of aesthetic appeal and investigates their role in influencing the use behaviour of current smartwatch users and purchase intentions of potential users. Hypotheses were tested using SmartPLS to analyze data collected from 377 current smartwatch users and 361 potential users. Design aesthetics was found to be the most important factor influencing the behavioural intentions of both user groups. Screen size and uniqueness had significant effects on current users’ use behaviour and potential users’ purchase intentions, respectively. Gender moderated the effect of design on the use behaviour of current smartwatch users, such that female users’ behaviour was more likely to be influenced than male users. A subsequent analysis on the moderating effect of brand revealed that the design aesthetics of smartwatches mattered more for Apple than Samsung in terms of promoting use behaviour.

Although automobile navigation systems have conventionally utilised visual and auditory modalities to deliver information, recent advancement in tactile technology has introduced the possibility of integrating tactile actuators into navigation systems. To empirically test the effect of tactile navigational cues, we conducted simulated driving experiments in which participants (N = 96) were exposed to four sets of information modalities (visual, visual + auditory, visual + tactile, and visual + auditory + tactile). The results indicate that multisensory systems including tactile cues allow participants to respond faster to unexpected road events and impart greater satisfaction with the overall driving experience. The implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.

Although autonomous vehicles are increasingly becoming a reality, eliminating human intervention from driving may imply significant safety and trust-related concerns. To address this issue from a psychological perspective, this study applies layers of anthropomorphic cues to an artificial driving agent and explicates the process in which these cues promote positive evaluations and perceptions of an unmanned driving system. In a between-subjects factorial experiment (N = 89) consisting of three unmanned driving scenarios, participants interacted with an artificial driving agent with different levels of anthropomorphic cues induced by the variations in appearance (human-like vs. gadget-like) and autonomy (high vs. low) of the agent. The results indicated that human-like appearance and high autonomy were more effective in eliciting positive perceptions of the agent. In addition, a mediation analysis revealed that the greater level of anthropomorphism induced by human-like appearance and high autonomy in the agent evoked the feelings of social presence, which in turn positively affected the perceived intelligence and safety of and trust in the agent, suggesting that the extent to which users perceive the driving agent as intelligent, safe, and trustworthy is largely determined by the feelings of social presence experienced during their interaction.

Do individual differences in dispositional behavioral tendencies, such as immersive tendency and need to belong, play a significant role in human-robot interaction? To answer this question, the present study conducted a 2 x 2 between-subjects experiment to examine the effects of immersive tendency (high vs. low) and need to belong (high vs. low) on individuals' perceptions of a social robot. Preliminary data analyses revealed that participants with a higher level of immersive tendency and need to belong showed greater attachment and trust towards the robot, and were more satisfied with their relationship with the robot than participants with a lower level of immersive tendency and need to belong. In addition, participants with a higher level of immersive tendency experienced greater feelings of social presence. Implications of notable findings are discussed.

A 2 x 2 between-subjects experiment was conducted to examine the effects of the type of artificial agent (robot vs. computer) and the role of the agent (ally vs. enemy) on people's perceptions and evaluations of the agent when playing a video game. Participants perceived that playing the game with a robot was more enjoyable and easier than playing with a computer. Regardless of the agent type, participants reported that playing the game was more enjoyable when the agent played as an ally rather than as their opponent. Implications of notable findings are discussed.