ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2256-9411

Keywords

Instructional Communication, Humor, Human-Machine Communication, Artificial Intelligence, Computers as Social Actors (CASA)

Abstract

This research examined the role of humor in instructional communication, focusing on human-to-human and human-machine communication (HMC). As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in learning environments, it is critical to understand how elements such as humor influence user perceptions and, consequently, affective learning outcomes. Previous arguments about humor in educational settings, particularly those centered on traditional student-teacher interactions, have been arguably derelict. Therefore, this research revisited earlier assertions about humor, extending the inquiry to include online communication and AI-driven chatbots in learning management systems. Specifically, the study explored how humor and the type of agent (human or AI chatbot) influenced perceptions of likability, communication effectiveness, communication appropriateness, and source credibility. The findings revealed that humor had both positive and negative effects on perceptions of human and AI teaching assistants, depending on the specific variable measured. Furthermore, learners consistently rated human assistants more favorably than AI-powered chatbots across nearly all metrics assessed in the study. These results challenge the long-standing Computers as Social Actors (CASA) paradigm, which posits that humans mindlessly treat machines per existing scripts for social interactions, and instead suggests that humans may be developing distinct scripts specifically for interacting with technology, separate from those used in human-to-human communication.

Completion Date

2024

Semester

Fall

Committee Chair

Yu, Nan and Strawser, Michael

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Nicholson School of Communication and Media

Degree Program

Strategic Communication

Format

PDF

Identifier

DP0029008

Language

English

Release Date

12-15-2024

Access Status

Dissertation

Campus Location

UCF Downtown

Accessibility Status

PDF accessibility verified using Adobe Acrobat Pro Accessibility Checker

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