Optimizing AI Voice for Adolescent Health: Preferences and Trustworthiness Across Teens and Parent.

INTRODUCTION: Communicating about adolescent health topics with adolescents and their parents is crucial in improving health and health behaviors. This study aimed to identify preferred AI voice characteristics and understand factors influencing perceived trustworthiness, aiming to improve health literacy among parents and adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study assessed preferences and trust perceptions of AI voices in learning modules among adolescents (11-17) and their parents/guardians. Participants were asked to evaluate 8 AI voices across the modules, considering 6 factors. RESULTS: Data from 104 participants were included in the analysis. The mean age was 14.9 for adolescents and 41.9 for the parent/guardian. Social impression and sound appeal emerged as the most significant contributors across all modules, explaining 71-75% of the variance in trustworthiness ratings. DISCUSSION: Ensuring AI voices resonate with adolescents and their parents can foster their engagement and trust in the information source, ultimately improving health literacy for both groups.