Paper Type

Complete

Paper Number

PACIS2026-2120

Description

With the widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the fitness field, it is important to understand how this technology affects users’ health. This qualitative study explores user experiences with AI-assisted fitness from 20 participants, employing thematic analysis to understand the roles of AI and behavioral influence mechanisms. Findings reveal that AI assumes multiple roles, including professional tool, personalized advisor, emotional companion, and strict supervisor, which coexist and change across users' fitness stages. AI constructs a pressure-free space through non-judgmental communication and sustained emotional value. It drives fitness behavior via active motivation, which enhances intrinsic motivation, and passive maintenance, which provides external support. While demonstrating strengths in personalization and systematization, AI possesses inherent weaknesses in deep interaction, emotional resonance, and physical perception. The findings extend self-determination theory to human-AI interaction and offer design implications for AI fitness products, revealing how AI fosters sustained health behavior change beyond mere tool functionality.

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Jul 5th, 12:00 AM

Beyond Functionality: A Qualitative Study of AI Roles in Fitness User Experiences

With the widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the fitness field, it is important to understand how this technology affects users’ health. This qualitative study explores user experiences with AI-assisted fitness from 20 participants, employing thematic analysis to understand the roles of AI and behavioral influence mechanisms. Findings reveal that AI assumes multiple roles, including professional tool, personalized advisor, emotional companion, and strict supervisor, which coexist and change across users' fitness stages. AI constructs a pressure-free space through non-judgmental communication and sustained emotional value. It drives fitness behavior via active motivation, which enhances intrinsic motivation, and passive maintenance, which provides external support. While demonstrating strengths in personalization and systematization, AI possesses inherent weaknesses in deep interaction, emotional resonance, and physical perception. The findings extend self-determination theory to human-AI interaction and offer design implications for AI fitness products, revealing how AI fosters sustained health behavior change beyond mere tool functionality.