From isolation to engagement: Chatbot-delivered narratives as a social surrogate for novice quitters and socially isolated smokers.

OBJECTIVES

Most smokers desire to quit, yet many rely on unassisted attempts that frequently result in relapses. Facilitating early self-disclosure and support-seeking is a critical first step toward effective cessation. This study examines how message format and a recipient's individual context impact their readiness to engage with various support sources.

METHODS

In an experiment, adult smokers (N = 386) were assigned to a control or one of three message conditions: non-narrative, first-person narrative, or chatbot-delivered narrative. The study evaluated intentions to disclose smoking-related experiences and seek support across interpersonal and digital sources, testing moderation by perceived social support and recent quit attempts.

RESULTS

Chatbot-delivered narratives significantly increased intentions to disclose experiences to, and seek support from, AI-powered programs. Message engagement with interpersonal and group-based sources was contingent upon perceived social support and recent quit experience. Chatbot delivery increased AI-oriented sharing intention when friend support was low and increased friend sharing when support from significant others was low. For participants without recent quit attempts, narrative-based messages, particularly in chatbot format, were associated with increased intentions to disclose experiences and seek support through group-based services.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to align message strategies with individuals' social ties and stages of change. Narrative messages, particularly in chatbot format, may directly encourage AI-oriented engagement while also benefiting individuals with limited peer support or limited recent quitting experience.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Health providers can screen perceived social support and recent quit attempts and tailor message delivery accordingly. Integrating narratives into counseling or program intake may encourage disclosure and support-seeking for those who have limited interpersonal and quitting-related resources. Narrative-based chatbots may complement existing services by offering accessible pathways into AI-powered and traditional cessation support.