Echoes in the Haze: The Impact of Air Pollution on AI Chatbot Conversations

Abstract

This study examines how air pollution affects user engagement with AI chatbots, utilizing prefecture-level panel data from 239 Chinese cities. Using thermal inversions as an instrument for pollution, we analyze three dimensions of engagement: dialogue quantity, user effort, and satisfaction thresholds. Results show that a one standard deviation increase in AQI leads to 24 additional dialogue rounds (22% increase), while reducing interaction quality through a 4.5 percentage point increase in automated responses. User satisfaction also decreases, with regeneration requests rising by 20%. Our findings demonstrate how environmental factors shape emerging digital interactions.

Keywords: Air pollution, AI Chatbot, Entertainment, Coping Mechanisms