The effect of interface agents’ appearance attractiveness and gender on computer users’ perceptions
Abstract: With the rapid development of digital technology, the virtual agent has been applied in various computing scenarios to interact with users. More lifelike interface agents have been designed and applied in many fields. The findings of social psychology studies indicate that people form positive appraisals of others due to their attractive appearance. This is the stereotype of “beauty is good”. Moreover, research on gender stereotypes indicates that males and females have quite different reactions in many respects. The present study aims to identify the perceptions and reactions of male and female subjects when they interact with “beautiful” or “ugly” agents of the same or opposite sex. The findings will provide implications for the design of interface agents or avatars.