The effects of immersive tendency and need to belong on human-robot interaction

Do individual differences in dispositional behavioral tendencies, such as immersive tendency and need to belong, play a significant role in human-robot interaction? To answer this question, the present study conducted a 2 × 2 between-subjects experiment to examine the effects of immersive tendency (high vs. low) and need to belong (high vs. low) on individuals´ perceptions of a social robot. Preliminary data analyses revealed that participants with a higher level of immersive tendency and need to belong showed greater attachment and trust towards the robot, and were more satisfied with their relationship with the robot than participants with a lower level of immersive tendency and need to belong. In addition, participants with a higher level of immersive tendency experienced greater feelings of social presence. Implications of notable findings are discussed.