CONVERSATIONAL AGENTS AND THE IMPACT OF THEIR VISUALIZATION ON TRUST

This research delves into the significance of agents and trust within the metaverse, focusing on the dynamics of trust formation between individuals and agents in virtual environments, specifically in the realm of healthcare consultations. The primary objective is to pinpoint the factors influencing the trustworthiness of agents and explore their application in shaping digital avatars to bolster patient trust. The study draws on established psychological theories—including similarity attraction theory, attractiveness theory, exchange theory, attribution theory, and expectancy theory—to elucidate the intricate process of trust formation. Employing a laboratory experiment involving male participants aged 24-30, the study created diverse avatars with variations in visualization, voice, and gestures. The findings underscored that trust in agents is explicable through psychological theories, with participants exhibiting greater trust in avatars that demonstrated human-like features, competence, and expertise. Conversely, avatars featuring exaggerated or non-human characteristics were met with skepticism. Consequently, the study concludes that the application of psychological theories in the metaverse can effectively cultivate trust, emphasizing the need for avatar designs that incorporate elements enhancing trustworthiness. In essence, this research contributes valuable insights into the pivotal role of trust within the metaverse, particularly within healthcare contexts. The study advocates for the thoughtful consideration of trust-building factors in the design of digital avatars, providing practical recommendations to inform the creation of trustworthy virtual entities.