Whoever Controls the Media, Controls the VUI

Abstract

Older adults (OAs) form the fastest growing user group of voice user interfaces (VUIs). VUIs hold promise for OAs in terms of usability and convenience. However, OAs' perceptions of VUIs can be influenced by the messages about and portrayals of technology they receive from mass media. This in turn can impact their adoption and the extent of the benefit they can derive from VUIs. In this paper, we present a preliminary analysis of the mass media articles published by AARP, a leading organization aimed at empowering adults aged 50 and up, on the topic of VUI. We use inductive thematic analysis to find the themes of the selected articles. Through this, we aim to gain a better understanding of VUIs' perceived value and utility for OAs as portrayed in media, and the implications of this portrayal on the possible strategies for increasing VUI adoption by OAs.