# Engaged and Affective Virtual Agents: Their Impact on Social Presence, Trustworthiness, and Decision-Making in the Group Discussion

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2308.10385 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2308.10385/

## Key facts

- Cited by 7 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 20 Aug 2023.

## Built on by (most cited first, 7 of 7)

- [Multi-Agents are Social Groups: Investigating Social Influence of Multiple Agents in Human-Agent Interactions](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2411.04578/) (2024)
- [Co-designing Large Language Model Tools for Project-Based Learning with K12 Educators](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.09799/) (2025)
- [Can LLMs Generate Behaviors for Embodied Virtual Agents Based on Personality Traits?](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2508.21087/) (2025)
- [Exploring Collaborative GenAI Agents in Synchronous Group Settings: Eliciting Team Perceptions and Design Considerations for the Future of Work](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2504.14779/) (2025)
- [Adaptive Human-Agent Teaming: A Review of Empirical Studies from the Process Dynamics Perspective](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2504.10918/) (2025)
- ["Shall We Dig Deeper?": Designing and Evaluating Strategies for LLM Agents to Advance Knowledge Co-Construction in Asynchronous Online Discussions](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2509.23327/) (2025)
- [Can You Say This for Me? Speaking Up by Proxy in Co-Located Discussion](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2608.26185/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

This study investigates how different virtual agent (VA) behaviors influence subjects' perceptions and group decision-making. Participants carried out experimental group discussions with a VA exhibiting varying levels of engagement and affective behavior. Engagement refers to the VA's focus on the group task, whereas affective behavior reflects the VA's emotional state. The findings revealed that VA's engagements effectively captured participants' attention even in the group setting and enhanced group synergy, thereby facilitating more in-depth discussion and producing better consensus. On the other hand, VA's affective behavior negatively affected the perceived social presence and trustworthiness. Consequently, in the context of group discussion, participants preferred the engaged and non-affective VA to the non-engaged and affective VA. The study provides valuable insights for improving the VA's behavioral design as a team member for collaborative tasks.