The double-edged sword effect of artificial intelligence robot anthropomorphism on user acceptance intention

With the progression of artificial intelligence (AI), its anthropomorphism poured into user cognitive processes. However, the impact of AI anthropomorphism on user acceptance intention remains unclear with stress cognition and emotional closeness. This study investigates the dynamic influence of anthropomorphic AI robots on user acceptance intention with the cognitive appraisal theory and similarity–attraction perspective. Based on the four-wave multi-source survey with 305 samples from 14 AI hotels, the results at two intervals revealed that AI robot anthropomorphism exerted dual effects on user acceptance intention only in 1 month interval: the positive indirect effect of AI robot anthropomorphism on user acceptance intention listed through user sense of closeness and optimism with two intervals but the negative path through identity threat and resistance which is supported in 1-month interval and not established with half-month interval. These findings enrich the conflicting dynamics involved in human response to anthropomorphic AI robot over time.