Abstract
The accelerating digitalization and ubiquity of smart speakers are increasingly shaping how young people engage with mass media. In light of recent advancements in AI, these devices have emerged as critical interfaces for content reception, raising questions about the shift from text-based and visual to primarily auditory formats. How does this transformation influence young audiences’ engagement with and interpretation of media? Furthermore, by applying the domestication approach, this study investigates the extent to which integrating smart speakers into everyday household routines—particularly through voice-based interactions—further amplifies media consumption and reshapes its cultural significance. In a pilot study employing a mixed-methods design, this evolving landscape is examined through guided interviews and the deployment of cultural probes. Combining perspectives from design, sociology, communication science, and technology, the study explores the social, cultural, and practical implications of using AI-enabled smart speakers as a primary medium for content consumption. Findings offer insights into how youth audiences adapt to, internalize, and potentially redefine media use in an era where voice interaction is poised to be a dominant mode of engagement.
Presenters
Konstantin D. HaenschProfessor, Design / Science and Theory, HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Niedersachsen, Germany Carolin Baaske
Research Assistant, Design / Science and Theory, HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Germany
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, SMART SPEAKERS, MEDIA CONSUMPTION RESEARCH, DOMESTICATION, TECHNOLOGY
