The Power of Personality: Anthropomorphising Agentic AI

AI systems have transcended their usefulness as mere task-oriented tools. Embodying an AI bot with an avatar and a distinct personality has radically improved the usability, relatability, and overall impact it has on user experience. Various studies suggest that AI systems with human-like traits create much more trust in users and increase long-term engagement than their simpler, task-focused brethren. These traits enable the AI to act more like an intelligent and relatable "character," rather than a static system, making interactions more engaging and meaningful for users. 

One of the core concepts driving this transformation is anthropomorphism. This can be defined as “the tendency to attribute human characteristics to non-human entities.” Research consistently demonstrates that users are more likely to trust and engage with agentic AI characters that express both warmth and competence. In fact, studies examining AI voice assistants have shown that bots exhibiting human-like traits, such as emotional cues and task efficiency, foster deeper trust. This confidence translates into frequent and sustained use, as users feel more comfortable relying on these systems for extended periods.

For example, in a study on AI voice assistants, bots that balanced warmth (through empathetic responses) and competence (through task execution) were found to significantly enhance users’ conviction, leading to long-term adoption and use of the technology. These human-like traits were essential in establishing a reliable relationship between the user and the AI system.  (SpringerLink), (Emerald Insight)

Another critical element that boosts the effectiveness of AI bots is the integration of avatars, which serve as visual representations of the AI system. Avatars play a significant role in enhancing the bot’s social presence, making interactions feel more personal and engaging. Instead of perceiving the AI bot as a cold, functional tool, users are more likely to see it as a companion character or a faithful assistant when an avatar is involved.

This effect is particularly powerful in educational settings, where AI avatars can be customized to match a learner’s personality or learning style. Studies have shown that such tailored interactions improve motivation and learning outcomes, as users feel more connected to the system on an emotional level. For instance, educational AI avatars that align with the learner’s preferences can create a sense of companionship, fostering a more engaging and effective learning experience. (Queios), (SpringerLink)

In immersive environments like virtual reality, the presence of an avatar can also reduce cognitive load. Users are able to navigate complex systems more intuitively when the AI is embodied in a visual form, making interactions smoother and more satisfying. (SpringerLink).

While personality-driven AI characters are gaining traction, it’s important to contrast this with the performance of simpler, personality-less chatbots. These traditional interfaces, which lack human-like attributes and avatars, often fall short when it comes to engagement and user satisfaction. Users tend to perceive them as transactional, cold, and unreliable, which hinders the development of long-term relationships with the system.

Research highlights that users are less likely to trust and engage with bots that don’t offer any emotional or visual representation. For instance, in customer service settings, bots without a relatable persona may struggle to create a connection, resulting in lower engagement and less user confidence. This is particularly problematic in scenarios where users are seeking emotional support or complex problem-solving, as they may perceive the bot as less competent or caring. (SpringerLink), (SpringerLink).

One of the most promising developments in AI design is the use of adaptive personalities, or AI characters that can dynamically modify their communication style based on individual user preferences. This level of personalization greatly enhances the user experience, transforming AI systems from mere functional tools into trusted, highly personalized assistants.

For example, AI characters with adaptive personalities can change their tone, level of formality, and even the depth of their responses depending on the user’s mood or needs. This creates a more fluid and satisfying interaction, allowing users to feel more connected to them. Studies have shown that this form of personalization leads to higher task satisfaction, as users feel that the AI is attuned to their specific preferences and needs. By tailoring responses in real-time, these AI characters significantly boost both engagement and efficiency (ar5iv).

The integration of personality traits and avatars into AI systems offers tangible benefits that go beyond mere functionality. By creating AI systems that can relate to users on an emotional and social level, developers can foster deeper, more meaningful interactions. This, in turn, promotes sustained engagement and long-term trust.

Agentic AI characters that exhibit warmth and competence, enhanced by avatars, are better equipped to support users in a variety of contexts, from customer service to education. They help users feel understood and valued, leading to more successful outcomes and greater satisfaction. As AI continues to evolve, the ability of these systems to establish an emotional connection with users will be a critical factor in determining their effectiveness and longevity.

The evolution of AI bots toward more human-like interactions, incorporating distinct personalities and avatars, marks a significant transformation in how we connect with technology. This trend is not merely cosmetic, it is a key driver of improved usability, trust, and long-term engagement. As research continues to highlight the benefits of anthropomorphism and visual representation, it’s clear that these elements are crucial for creating AI systems that not only perform tasks but also enrich the user experience.

In the future, AI characters will not only be efficient tools, but also trusted companions, capable of forming meaningful connections with users. By combining emotional intelligence with an increasingly autonomous task competence, agentic AI characters are poised to play a central role in shaping how we interact with technology, in ways that feels more human, intuitive, and engaging.