Computer-Synthesized Speech and Perceptions of the Social Influence of Disabled Users

Computer-synthesized speech is frequently used as an assistive technology for people with speech disabilities including those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this short article, the conditions that lead to speech loss and how people perceive computer-synthesized speech, particularly when it is used by the speaking disabled, are discussed. Specific attention is paid to the author's own program of research that has examined how perceptions of trustworthiness are moderated by the use of synthetic speech, whether the user is speech disabled, and the purpose for which the synthetic speech is used. Based on this research, four specific conclusions are presented.