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Although recent studies have begun to explore AI-generated videos, few have specifically examined the pedagogical potential of combining AI voices and avatars. This study investigates the differences in user engagement and cognitive load induced by AI-generated short videos compared to human-based ones in the context of foreign language learning. Using a 2\u2009\u00d7\u20092 experimental design, the study explored four combinations: AI voice &amp; AI avatar, AI voice &amp; Human avatar, Human voice &amp; AI avatar, and Human voice &amp; Human avatar. Results from linear mixed models and Fuzzy C-Means clustering revealed that while both AI voice and AI avatar can improve user engagement independently, a significant improvement in engagement is only observed when both voice and avatar are AI-generated. Similarly, while AI voice and AI avatar can reduce extraneous cognitive load independently, a significant reduction in extraneous cognitive load is only observed when both voice and avatar are AI-generated. This study offers valuable insights for integrating AI-generated short videos into foreign language learning and the broader educational landscape, paving the way for AI-generated content and innovative approaches to multimedia learning.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.1007\/s10639-025-13654-x","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,6,18]],"date-time":"2025-06-18T01:34:08Z","timestamp":1750210448000},"page":"22547-22566","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/springer_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":6,"title":["AI versus human-generated voices and avatars: rethinking user engagement and cognitive load"],"prefix":"10.1007","volume":"30","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-5557-0906","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Yidi","family":"Zhang","sequence":"first","affiliation":[]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-7438-5287","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Margarida","family":"Lucas","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-7547-5743","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Pedro","family":"Bem-haja","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-1763-8433","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Lu\u00eds","family":"Pedro","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[]}],"member":"297","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,6,18]]},"reference":[{"key":"13654_CR1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Brame, C. 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