Factors influencing older adults’ intention to use social chatbots: examining technology acceptance, anthropomorphism, authenticity, and artificial intelligence social interaction
Jun 2026· Innovation in aging· Vol 10· 0 citations· 73 references
Medicine
TL;DR
Findings suggest that control belief, authenticity, and social interaction intensity with social chatbots are key drivers of adoption intention among older adults.
Abstract
Abstract Background and Objectives Despite emerging evidence showing that older adults have begun engaging social chatbots for companionship in recent years, little is known about the factors influencing their adoption decisions. We developed an age-friendly social chatbot and examined older adults’ intention to use it by integrating the Senior Technology Acceptance Model (STAM) with sociorelational factors relevant to human–artificial intelligence (AI) interaction. Research Design and Methods A final sample of 140 community-dwelling older adults interacted with the chatbot for approximately 20 min and then completed questionnaires assessing their attitudes toward the chatbot, perceptions of the chatbot, and their intention to use it in daily life. Results Higher control belief (e.g., perceived ease of use and facilitating conditions), one of the STAM factors, predicted higher intention to use the chatbot among older adults, whereas higher self-rated health predicted lower intention. Importantly, the stronger the sociorelational factors (e.g., authenticity; AI social interaction intensity), the higher the intention to use. However, higher levels of anthropomorphism of the chatbot predicted lower intention to use. Incorporating sociorelational factors into the STAM framework accounted for an additional proportion of variance, comparable to STAM factors alone. Discussion and Implications Our findings suggest that control belief, authenticity, and social interaction intensity with social chatbots are key drivers of adoption intention among older adults. Unmet needs in life may also drive chatbot engagement. However, overly human-like chatbots may deter adoption. Taken together, integrating human–AI interaction factors with the STAM framework is essential when evaluating older adults’ adoption of social chatbots.
BACKGROUND
Amid growing concerns surrounding social isolation among older adults, AI chatbots have emerged as promising tools for providing digital companionship. While the intersection of aging and technology has been widely explored, there remains a gap in understanding the nuanced ways in which AI chatbots function as relational partners in older adults' daily lives.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to examine the roles of the AI chatbot in fostering digital companionship for adults in later life.
METHODS
Drawing on a qualitative research design, the study conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with individuals in later life who regularly engaged with AI chatbots. Thematic analysis method was used to synthesize the qualitative data.
RESULTS
Participants described the AI chatbot as multifaceted relational agents-occupying roles such as human-like companions, supportive teachers, specialized consultants, practical assistants, and entertainment facilitators. These interactions were reported to support emotional well-being, enhance cognitive engagement, and promote a sense of self-efficacy in daily living.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings illuminate the profound and diverse ways in which AI chatbots are integrated into the everyday lives of older users, extending far beyond utilitarian functions. As conversational AI continues to advance, designers and policymakers should acknowledge its potential to support aging in place by fostering connection, engagement, and autonomy among older populations.
Yijin Wu, Fengbo Jiao, Haokun Wang et al.· The gerontologist· 0 citations
Introduction As global populations age, promoting informal learning among older adults is crucial for their well-being and social participation. However, research on older adults’informal learning remains limited, especially in non-Western contexts. This study investigates the current status, willingness, and enthusiasm of Chinese older adults for informal learning, as well as the influencing factors from individual, cognitive, and environmental perspectives. Methods Using cross-sectional data from the 2018 China General Social Survey (CGSS), this study analyzed 4,688 respondents aged 60 years and older. Informal learning was measured by reading behavior (books/newspapers/magazines) in spare time. Binary logistic regression and multinomial ordered logistic regression were employed to examine factors associated with participation willingness (binary) and participation enthusiasm (ordinal frequency), based on Bandura’s social cognitive theory. Results Only 18.47% of older adults participated in literacy-based informal learning. Men, individuals with a spouse, higher education, better health, and higher life satisfaction showed greater willingness. Mandarin proficiency and social interaction frequency significantly promoted both willingness and enthusiasm. Notably, Mandarin proficiency had the strongest positive effect on participation enthusiasm (odds ratios ranging from 1.33 to 2.22 across frequency levels). Economic status and social trust showed no significant effects. Discussion Chinese older adults exhibit low willingness and enthusiasm for informal learning. Cognitive factors (especially language ability) and social interaction are more influential than economic resources. The findings suggest that policies should enhance Mandarin training and community-based social networks, with tailored strategies for married vs. unmarried older adults. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs and broader measures of informal learning (digital, social, and experiential).
Guoyi Lai, Mengting Han· Frontiers in Psychology· 0 citations
Social service robots (SSRs) are expected to become increasingly common and may present a potential solution in healthcare services, particularly in the care of older adults. This study aims to assess the influence of functional, socioemotional and relational factors on older adults’ intention to use SSRs in their homes.
This paper follows a sequential research design. In Study1, data were collected using questionnaires completed by older adults. We analyzed the data using PLS-SEM to identify factors influencing the intention to use SSRs. In Study 2, focus group discussions were conducted to discuss quantitative results and gather the opinions of older adults regarding SSRs.
The findings reveal that SSR acceptance in aged care is not linear or straightforward but is rather shaped by underlying tensions. Although older adults recognize the functional and emotional value of SSRs, their acceptance is structured by paradoxical tensions related to orientation, authenticity and privacy.
This paper provides valuable insights for service managers and developers to understand the factors that influence the intention to use SSRs among older adults.
First, this study demonstrated the validity of sRAM in the context of aged care. Second, it clarifies the SSR’s functional and emotional value in the intention to use SSR in aged care. Finally, it also provides a nuanced view of this acceptance by revealing underlying paradoxical tensions.
L. C. Cesário, P. Cauchick-Miguel, Fabiane L. Lizarelli et al.· International Journal of Qua...· 0 citations
The rapid expansion of social media and emerging artificial intelligence (AI)-mediated digital environments has transformed how older adults communicate, access information, and engage with online communities. Social media platforms may provide opportunities for social connectedness and emotional support, particularly among older adults who face mobility limitations, retirement-related social changes, or reduced in-person interactions. At the same time, increased reliance on digital environments may also contribute to perceived social isolation through social comparison, exposure to misinformation, fragmented online interactions, or difficulties navigating evolving technologies. Despite growing interest in digital health and aging, limited research has examined the relationship between social media use and perceived social isolation among older adults during the emerging AI-enabled digital era.
This study aimed to examine the association between social media engagement and PROMIS social isolation T-scores among U.S. adults aged 65 years and older, while accounting for sociodemographic characteristics, digital access-related factors, and survey cycle using nationally representative data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 2022 and 2024 cycles. The study also conducted exploratory interaction analyses by age and survey cycle to assess whether associations varied across older age and between HINTS cycles.
This cross-sectional study utilized pooled nationally representative data from HINTS 7 cycles conducted in 2022 and 2024. The analytic sample included adults aged 65 years and older. Perceived social isolation was assessed using the PROMIS Social Isolation Scale T-score (PROMIS_Isolation_t), a validated composite measure of perceived social isolation derived from four survey items assessing feelings of isolation, exclusion, and social disconnection. Social media use was measured using self-reported engagement with social networking platforms. Survey-weighted descriptive statistics and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between social media use and perceived social isolation while adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, household income, and survey cycle.
Older adults who reported social media use demonstrated differing levels of perceived social isolation compared with nonusers. Social media engagement was positively associated with higher PROMIS social isolation T-scores after adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, household income, and survey cycle. Higher household income was generally associated with lower PROMIS social isolation T-scores. Sensitivity analyses using binary social media engagement indicators showed consistent associations across engagement behaviors. Differences were particularly observed among individuals with lower educational attainment and limited digital literacy. Findings also suggested that the evolving AI-mediated digital environment may influence how older adults interact with online social platforms and perceive social connectedness.
The findings suggest that social media use among older adults may have both beneficial and adverse implications for perceived social isolation within the emerging AI-mediated digital environment. Social media platforms may facilitate communication, information exchange, and social participation, potentially reducing perceived social isolation for some older adults. However, unequal digital literacy, technological complexity, and potentially harmful online experiences may contribute to persistent or worsening perceptions of isolation among vulnerable populations. These findings highlight the importance of promoting digital inclusion and age-friendly online environments as part of broader healthy aging and public health strategies.
Social media use is increasingly embedded within AI-mediated digital environments and may play an important role in shaping perceived social isolation among older adults in the United States. Public health interventions aimed at improving digital literacy, equitable technology access, and supportive online engagement may help reduce perceived social isolation and promote healthy aging among older populations.
Jingjing Gao· Frontiers in Digital Health· 0 citations
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Research has established that while most older adults use information and communication technologies (ICTs), loneliness and social isolation in later life is a pressing issue. Studies of older adults' ICT use has largely been cross-sectional, focused on their attitudes and preferences, and conducted with white, well-educated individuals who were disproportionately aged 65 to 75. Using an intersectional life course perspective, the purpose of our study was to understand the meanings that diverse older adults attributed to ICTs.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We purposively recruited and conducted in-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews with 20 diverse men and women, aged 65 to 89. They were asked about experiences of social connection, disconnection, and use of ICTs over time. Interview transcriptions were coded and analyzed using interpretative description.
RESULTS
Participants shared stories underscored by wonder and fascination related to the arrival of ICTs into their homes and workplaces over the life course. In later life, they suggested that ICTs were important for connection and alleviating loneliness and social isolation as they allowed for instant, direct, and affordable communication. However, they also regarded ICTs as a source of disconnection as they undermined intimacy, spontaneity, and full social participation, especially for those with disabilities or limited finances.
DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS
Findings illuminate the importance of examining diverse older adults' perceptions and experiences in a life course perspective. They also point to the need for training opportunities, improved technology design, and recognition from policy makers and service providers of older adults' social connection preferences.
L. Hurd, Catherine Tran, Erika Delorme et al.· The gerontologist· 0 citations
OBJECTIVES
Guided by the Social Ecological Model (SEM), this study aimed to examine multilevel influences on social participation among community-dwelling older adults from the perspectives of older adults and community workers.
METHODS
A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used. The quantitative component included 641 community-dwelling older adults from five communities in Beijing, China. The qualitative component involved semi-structured interviews with 18 older adults and 14 community workers. Findings were integrated through an SEM-guided joint display and triangulation protocol.
RESULTS
Older age, cognitive impairment, impairment of activities of daily living, and poor self-rated health were associated with lower social participation, whereas higher educational attainment, social support, weekly exercise, and active community encouragement were associated with higher participation. Qualitative findings identified 10 subthemes, showing that participation was also linked to interest preferences, family and peer relationships, communication and mobilization, activity design, accessibility, resource support, and policy and institutional conditions. Integrated analysis showed the clearest convergence for health- and function-related influences, while qualitative findings clarified how social support and community encouragement operated in practice.
DISCUSSION
Social participation among community-dwelling older adults appears to be associated with interrelated factors across individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels. Efforts to support participation in later life may benefit from addressing not only functional vulnerability but also the relational, organizational, and contextual conditions that makes participation feasible in community settings.
Yufan Yang, Weihang Xu, Mingyao Sun et al.· The journals of gerontology....· 0 citations