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

Abstract

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.