Kai Riemer

Papers

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About

Kai Riemer is a leading scholar in Information Systems, whose research critically examines the intersection of artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and digital communication. His work fundamentally challenges prevailing narratives around technology, moving beyond simple automation to explore how AI systems reshape human relationships, trust, and organizational practices. Riemer is perhaps best known for his incisive contributions to the debate on the "Uncanny Valley," where his 2017 study (39 citations) re-evaluated this decades-old theory in the context of interactive, realistic digital avatars, revealing nuanced user acceptance patterns that differ from static observations. More recently, his highly cited 2024 work (40 citations) has broken new ground by empirically investigating user perceptions of "Digital Human Agents" (DHAs)—hyper-realistic AI avatars for customer service. This practice-oriented research directly informs policy and design, demonstrating that factors like affinity and trustworthiness are critical for user preference, moving the conversation from "less artificial" to "more intelligent" design. Riemer’s impact lies in his ability to fuse rigorous empirical methods with profound theoretical insight, making him a vital voice for students and researchers navigating the social implications of increasingly human-like AI.