Simone Hinkofer

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Simone Hinkofer’s research lies at the intersection of human-computer interaction, companion technology, and digital health, with a particular focus on how people form long-term relationships with conversational chatbots and social robots. Her most cited work, “Connect With Me. Exploring Influencing Factors in a Human-Technology Relationship Based on Regular Chatbot Use” (2021, 43 citations), investigates the psychological and social factors that drive sustained engagement with AI companions, especially in healthcare contexts where these technologies support physical and mental well-being over time. Hinkofer’s contributions are significant for understanding how trust, emotional attachment, and perceived usefulness shape user-technology bonds, offering practical insights for designing more empathetic and effective digital health interventions. Her work has been recognized for bridging theoretical models of human relationships with applied design principles, making her a key voice in the emerging field of long-term human-AI interaction. By examining the dynamics of regular chatbot use, Hinkofer provides a foundation for developing companion technologies that are not only functional but also genuinely supportive in sensitive domains like mental health care.