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Can Conversing with a Computer Increase Turnout? Mobilization Using Chatbot Communication

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  • Mann, Christopher B.

Abstract

According to the burgeoning voter mobilization field experiments literature, impersonal contact has little-to-no effect. A conversation with a computer is, by definition, an impersonal interaction. However, chatbots are form of communication wherein a computer imitates conversations by interacting using natural language. Human-to-chatbot interactions are often perceived as similar to human-to-human interactions. How ubiquitous are chatbots? Just ask Siri, Cortana, Bixby, or Alexa, or ask for help on any e-commerce website (these are each chatbots). A simple voter mobilization treatment reminding users of a political chatbot (Resistbot) to vote and providing information about polling locations and hours increased turnout by 1.8 percentage points in a 2019 election. The results replicate previously unpublished field experiments by Resistbot in 2018 that found smaller but statistically significant increases in turnout.

Suggested Citation

  • Mann, Christopher B., 2021. "Can Conversing with a Computer Increase Turnout? Mobilization Using Chatbot Communication," Journal of Experimental Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 8(1), pages 51-62, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jexpos:v:8:y:2021:i:1:p:51-62_5
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