Chad Collins

St Johns River State College, University of Central Florida

Papers

Total Citations

126

H-Index

About

Chad Collins investigates the evolving relationships between humans and artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on how AI companions and robotic systems can address social and health-related needs. His work bridges human-computer interaction, health communication, and social robotics, exploring both the psychological mechanisms and practical implications of human-machine relationships. Collins’ most influential paper, “AI companions for lonely individuals and the role of social presence” (2022), has garnered 109 citations and critically examines how social presence in AI companions can mitigate loneliness—a contribution that has shaped discussions on the ethical and relational design of social agents. He has also advanced the study of robotic health advisors, examining how trust and perceived usefulness influence adoption intentions for both physical and relational health issues (2023). His research demonstrates that the design and framing of robotic advisors significantly affect user acceptance, offering actionable insights for developers and healthcare practitioners. By integrating theories of trust, social presence, and technology adoption, Collins provides a nuanced understanding of when and why people welcome machines into their most personal spaces—from companionship to health guidance.