Hear You in Silence: Designing for Active Listening in Human Interaction with Conversational Agents Using Context-Aware Pacing

Researchers have developed conversational AI that uses context-aware pacing, like strategic silences, to mimic human active listening. In a study with 50 participants, this AI outperformed standard chatbots in perceived human-likeness and engagement. It led to deeper user self-disclosure and higher trust, especially in sensitive scenarios like career support. The system employs five distinct pacing strategies, such as 'Empathic Silence,' to make interactions feel more natural and supportive.