Debiasing the Influence of Demographic and Appearance Cues in Social Engineering via Role-Taking: Negative Results

Abstract

This study investigates the efficacy of role-taking and literacy-based interventions in reducing the influence of appearance cues, such as gender, age, ethnicity, and clothing style, on trust and risk-taking in social engineering contexts. A-4 (Group: Control, Literacy, Persuader, Persuadee) * 2 (Time: Pre, Post) mixed factorial design was implemented over two weeks with 139 participants. The control group received no material. The literacy group attended two sessions focused on how behavior can be similar regardless of appearance cues. The persuader group completed three sessions, learning how to use such cues to influence others. The persuadee group attended three sessions involving the selection, justification, and reflection on personas and scenarios. Scenarios centered on financial and rental advice. A one-week gap followed before post-intervention testing. In both pre- and post-tests, participants assessed personas combining appearance cues, offering mobile hotspots with potential risk. They rated trust and willingness to take the risk. Validated measures and scenarios were used, including word-of-mouth and issue involvement scales. It was expected that cue influence would diminish post-intervention. However, no significant within- or between-group differences emerged. Findings raise concerns about the effectiveness of debiasing efforts and call for reconsideration of approaches using literacy, role-taking, rehearsal, drama, and simulation.