Do People Prefer Robots Over Humans as Daily Communication Partners?: Relationship to Social Anxiety in Conjunction with the Appearance of the Robots

Abstract

This study investigates: (1) whether people prefer robots over humans as communication partners for different purposes and in different situations in daily life in conjunction with appearance of the robots; and (2) the influence of social interaction avoidance on people’s preference for robots over humans in conjunction with appearance of the robots. Results showed that a certain number of people preferred robots as communication partners for many purposes and in many situations. In addition, a robot whose appearance resembled a human was generally preferred. On the other hand, people with high social anxiety preferred robots with a mechanical appearance as communication partners for many purposes and in many situations. The findings of the study suggest that the appearance of a robot may be a substantial factor when introducing a robot in daily life.