Beyond the Interface: Human Perceptions of Generative-AI Chatbots as Conversational Partners

Author

• Browning W.E. Blair, Clemson UniversityFollow

Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Communications

Committee Chair/Advisor

Dr. James Gilmore

Committee Member

Dr. Virginia Harrison

Committee Member

Dr. Gabriel Hankins

Abstract

Generative AI (gen-AI) chatbots are becoming embedded in everyday communicative life, yet it remains unclear whether users perceive these systems as socially reciprocative conversational partners. Therefore, this study examines how young adults understand and interact with gen-AI chatbots, focusing on perceptions of conversational partnership, anthropomorphism, politeness, discomfort, and technical understanding. Guided by the CASA framework, Media Equation Theory, and the uncanny valley hypothesis, this study employed four semi-structured, online focus groups with 15 undergraduate students and recent college graduates in the United States. Findings indicate that participants did not broadly perceive gen-AI chatbots as conversational partners in the interpersonal sense. Instead, chatbots were framed as instrumental, task-oriented tools that are used to streamline academic, professional, and everyday work. Anthropomorphic features, especially voice-based ones, were reported to heighten discomfort rather than foster social reciprocity. Technical understanding was uneven across the participant pool, but greater familiarity generally corresponded with more instrumental forms of interaction. Overall, the findings suggest that conversational exchange with gen-AI chatbots does not necessarily produce social acceptance. Rather, user perceptions are shaped by instrumental expectations, technical literacy, and affective responses to human-like design features.

Recommended Citation

Blair, Browning W.E., "Beyond the Interface: Human Perceptions of Generative-AI Chatbots as Conversational Partners" (2026). All Theses. 4767.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/4767

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9239-1650