The Effects of Anthropomorphism, Message Framing, and Voice Type on Unhealthy Sleep Behavior in Young Users: The Mediating Role of Risk Perception

Abstract

Insufficient sleep is a severe social public health problem that can adversely affect the physical and mental health of young people. This study examined risk perceptions for unhealthy sleep behaviors and intentions for healthy sleep behaviors under different combinations of anthropomorphism, message framing, and voice type in cartoons. We used a three-factor between-subject experiment of two (anthropomorphism: anthropomorphic vs. non-anthropomorphic) × two (message framing: positive frame vs. negative frame) × two (voice type: cartoon child voice vs. adult female voice) design. We examined the effects of different audiovisual combinations of cartoon attitude, risk perception, and behavioral intention and the mediating role of risk perception. The research results show that (1) the integration of anthropomorphic design elements can positively impact users’ attitudes toward cartoons; (2) when the interface information is presented in a negative frame, anthropomorphism can more positively influence users’ attitudes toward cartoons than non-anthropomorphism; and (3) anthropomorphism, message framing, and voice type in cartoons significantly interact with risk perception. In addition, risk perception mediates the influence of anthropomorphism, message framing, and voice type on behavioral intention.

Striking an Emotional Chord: Effects of Emotional Appeals and Chatbot Anthropomorphism on Persuasive Science Communication

“…Furthermore, chatbot anthropomorphism may interact with message frames (e.g., fear vs. hope appeals) to influence risk perceptions (e.g., Y. Li et al, 2022). Study 1 showed that more anthropomorphic cues induced a higher level of mindless anthropomorphism, meaning that the chatbot was perceived to be more gentle, friendly, cheerful, and sociable.…”

“…Fear appeal messages inherently involve an imminent threat and are more likely to induce risk perceptions than non-fear-based messages (Skurka et al, 2018). Furthermore, chatbot anthropomorphism may interact with message frames (e.g., fear vs. hope appeals) to influence risk perceptions (e.g., Y. Li et al, 2022).…”

The Influence of Message Framing on Elderly Tourists’ Purchase Intentions of Health Services: A Case Study of Guangxi Bama

“…Messages around health services and products tend to emphasize the specific consequences of one’s actions or inaction [ 51 , 52 ]. Where positive framing emphasizes the positive outcomes of buying and using health services, negative framing emphasizes the negative consequences of not using the health services on offer [ 53 ].…”