Investigating User Interactions in GAI-based Conversational Systems

The use of GAI-based conversational systems has rapidly increased as they assist users with tasks like information seeking, summarizing content, discussing personal matters, enhancing writing comprehension, and solving complex problems. With advancements in generative AI (GAI) techniques, these systems continue to evolve, offering more sophisticated functions. It is crucial to study the role of users in various contexts to optimize these systems, create specialized tools, and gain insights into user perspectives. Additionally, examining the societal impact of these systems—such as how they reshape learning, work, and daily problem-solving—remains essential.

This article collection aims to explore user interactions with GAI-based conversational systems, seeking to enhance the understanding of user experiences and societal implications. Our goal is to encourage research that investigates user perspectives and the broader societal impacts of GAI technologies. By attracting contributions, this Research Topic seeks to develop benchmarks and baselines that facilitate future research and provide valuable insights for guiding the responsible development of AI technologies that benefit society.

This article collection will focus on both theoretical and empirical research that delves into the role of users in GAI-based conversational systems, as well as GAI-related technical development from a user perspective. We welcome a variety of submissions, including research articles, review papers, perspective papers, and resources (e.g., benchmark datasets, open-source experimental systems). Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

- User modeling in GAI-based conversational systems
- User studies for system, algorithm or interface design
- Research focused on understanding user intent, behavior, or performance
- Investigating the impact of GAI-based conversational systems on users
- Developing specialized systems with a user-centered approach
- Benchmarking and evaluating GAI-based conversational systems

With open access policy of the journal, we want to promote open research. We also emphasize the importance of reproducibility in experimental processes and the promotion of the FAIR principles of data.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: User Behavior, User Interaction, Chatbots, Conversational AI, Generative AI, Responsible AI

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.