Anthropomorphism in artificial intelligence: A game-changer for brand marketing

Abstract

The expansion of brands adopting artificial intelligence services with human characteristics, such as chatbots, has rev- olutionized digital marketing strategies, transforming how companies reach and engage customers. This technologi- cal innovation is reshaping digital interactions between companies and consumers, offering a more personalized and efficient experience. This study explores the influence of chatbot anthropomorphism on customer engagement and purchasing decision-making with brands that use this artificial intelligence service. Data from a questionnaire with 1319 participants was analyzed using partial least squares method. Chatbot anthropomorphism has a more positive influence on purchasing decision-making when this relationship is mediated by customer engagement. In turn, customer involvement also has a positive influence on decision-making. The results emphasize that for a greater influence of the chatbot’s anthropomorphism on purchasing decision-making, the customer must first be engaged with the chatbot. This research illuminates a new path in the domain of AI-enabled brand interactions, showing the distinct influence of anthropomorphism in chatbots on customer satisfaction, trust and loyalty, thus revolutioniz- ing traditional paradigms of consumer-brand engagement and decision-making processes. By exploring the intricate dynamics between customer engagement with anthropomorphized chatbots and purchasing decisions, this study breaks new ground, offering unprecedented insight into the transformative potential of human-like chatbot interac- tions in shaping consumer behavior and brand relationships.