Paper Number

ICIS2025-2531

Paper Type

Short

Abstract

Cybersecurity warnings are essential for protecting users from threats such as phishing, malware, and fraudulent activities. Yet, traditional warning designs often fail due to habituation, cognitive overload, and security fatigue. This study proposes a novel approach by leveraging the uncanny valley effect—a psychological phenomenon in which near-human entities evoke discomfort and heightened scrutiny. We theorize that uncanny design cues in security warnings can interrupt automatic dismissal, trigger greater cognitive and emotional engagement, and thereby increase compliance with security recommendations. The proposed model integrates uncanny valley theory, dual-process cognition, and Protection Motivation Theory, while examining moderating factors such as user expertise and personality traits. By reframing the uncanny valley as a purposeful design mechanism, this research contributes to information systems security by offering a theoretically grounded and innovative strategy for enhancing user vigilance and improving protective behaviors.

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09-Cybersecurity

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Dec 14th, 12:00 AM

Improving Security Alerts through the Uncanny Valley: A Theoretical Framework

Cybersecurity warnings are essential for protecting users from threats such as phishing, malware, and fraudulent activities. Yet, traditional warning designs often fail due to habituation, cognitive overload, and security fatigue. This study proposes a novel approach by leveraging the uncanny valley effect—a psychological phenomenon in which near-human entities evoke discomfort and heightened scrutiny. We theorize that uncanny design cues in security warnings can interrupt automatic dismissal, trigger greater cognitive and emotional engagement, and thereby increase compliance with security recommendations. The proposed model integrates uncanny valley theory, dual-process cognition, and Protection Motivation Theory, while examining moderating factors such as user expertise and personality traits. By reframing the uncanny valley as a purposeful design mechanism, this research contributes to information systems security by offering a theoretically grounded and innovative strategy for enhancing user vigilance and improving protective behaviors.

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