Differences in Human–Avatar Interactions of Older Adults Depend on the Presentation Setting and Health Status of the Participants

Abstract

This article examines the interaction between humans and avatars in a long-term care facility. It explores how older people interact with the socially supportive avatar Ann-Sophie in two different situations: individually and in group sessions. Based on qualitative field research, we analyze the differences in communication patterns between residents with and without dementia. Our results show that the dynamics of interaction vary significantly depending on both the social context and cognitive health status. Residents without dementia tended to engage with the avatar in a more goal-oriented manner, while residents with dementia showed more spontaneous and affect-driven reactions. Group settings promoted shared attention and co-present comments, while individual sessions allowed for more focused, personal engagement. By highlighting the interplay between setting, cognitive state, and communicative behavior, we aim to contribute to ongoing discussions in the community about how digital technologies can be embedded in everyday care practice. We argue that understanding such nuanced interaction contexts is essential for designing socially meaningful and inclusive avatar systems in elder care.