AI-based task-scheduling advice: the associations between adoption intent, AI anthropomorphism, and perceived competence fit

Recent studies have suggested that user adoption of AI-based outputs may be positively related to AI agent anthropomorphism, with perceived agent competence serving as a mediator. This paper examines those relationships in the novel, general-purpose context of AI-based task-scheduling advice, which guides users in their daily activities. Path analyses were conducted across two scenario-based studies (Study 1, N = 258; Study 2, N = 194), which presented AI-based apps. Both studies indicated positive associations between perceived agent anthropomorphism and advice adoption, with a mediated path through perceived competence agent-advice fit. Moreover, Study 2 indicated positive associations between a user's individual tendency to anthropomorphize and advice adoption intent, with a mediated path through perceived agent anthropomorphism and perceived competence agent-advice fit. These results extend the knowledge about user response to AI by demonstrating associations between AI anthropomorphism, perceived competence, and adoption intent in the area of task-scheduling advice, and by applying anthropomorphizing tendency as a user characteristic involved in these associations. These findings can guide practitioners on how users may respond to AI-based task-scheduling advice.