“Hey, Alexa” “Hey, Siri”, “OK Google” ….” exploring teenagers’ interaction with artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled voice assistants during the COVID-19 pandemic

AI-enabled virtual voice assistants have eased user interaction and user experience. The current study aims to understand how teenagers interact and engage with voice assistants. The rationale of usage, perceptions, patterns and expectations of teenagers from smart speakers has been explored within the framework of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) model. The study uses an interpretive qualitative research method to gain in-depth insights, empirical details, and narrative aspects of user experiences of smart speakers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 36 teenagers pursuing high school in the age group 13–15 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results indicated that all seven variables (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivations, habit, and privacy concerns) impact the usage of smart speakers. The study also ascertains that hedonic motivation is a significant driving factor in the UTAUT2 model.