The Science of Trust: What Makes People Engage More Deeply With an Avatar
What makes people trust an avatar? It’s not photorealism, it’s behavior. From eye gaze and micro expressions to cadence and emotional rhythm, the research shows that trust is built through subtle, human-like signals that help people feel seen, supported, and understood. In this article, Michelle Collins breaks down the science behind why people engage more deeply with digital humans—and why ethical design matters more than ever.
Journey to the Center of the Uncanny Valley
In the world of avatars, interactive virtual assistants, and robots, it’s vital to steer clear of the “uncanny valley.” Originally coined “Bukimi no Tani Genshō” by Japanese roboticist Masarhiro Moti, the uncanny valley is “the phenomenon whereby a computer-generated figure or humanoid robot bearing a near-identical resemblance to a human being arouses a sense of unease […]