Effect of Static vs. Conversational AI-Generated Messages on Colorectal Cancer Screening Intent: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Participants receive a single \~640-word message generated by GPT-4.1. The message is tailored to participants' self-reported demographics (age, gender, political ideology, education, urbanicity, health status, and last PCP visit). The message provides persuasive content encouraging colorectal cancer screening, emphasizing stool and colonoscopy screening options. Participants are required to read the message for a minimum of 3 minutes.

Participants engage in a multi-turn conversation with a GPT-4.1 chatbot trained to emulate motivational interviewing techniques. The chatbot personalizes its conversation based on each participant's demographics (age, gender, political ideology, education, urbanicity, health status, and last PCP visit). Conversations last at least 3 minutes and aim to increase participant motivation to complete colorectal cancer screening.

Participants read a 642-word expert-written educational summary from the Journal of the American Medical Association's Patient Page on colorectal cancer screening. The material is designed to provide objective information about screening options and guidelines recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force. Participants are required to read the material for at least 3 minutes.