Fries with that? Ordering from AI linked to selecting more indulgent foods

As a growing number of fast food chains adopt artificial intelligence (AI) technology for drive-thru ordering, customers are more likely to order indulgent dishes when interacting with voice AI rather than a human employee, according to a new study led by researchers at the Penn State School of Hospitality Management. Researchers also found that pairing voice AI with an avatar can reduce its impact on food choices. The research team’s findings are now available online ahead of their publication in the April edition of the International Journal of Hospitality Management.