Unpacking People’s Perceptions of Human Digital Twins through Role Framings: A Scenario-Based Survey Study in Preventive Health Contexts

Abstract

Human Digital Twins (HDTs) are increasingly envisioned for preventive health, yet little is known about how people perceive and evaluate the roles such technologies might take in preventive health contexts. We use role framing as a probe to systematically examine how users make sense of HDTs. Through an online survey (N=263), participants evaluated and ranked 12 HDT role framings and explained their preferences. Our findings show evaluations did not follow a single preference logic: self-related framings were not inherently preferred, and emotionally supportive roles were not necessarily prioritized when trade-offs were required. Background factors, such as digital technology familiarity and intended usage interest, were significantly associated with participants’ evaluations. Open-ended responses revealed broader views around relational boundaries, temporal orientation, ontological critique, functional expectations, and interaction mode preferences. We conclude with four reflective questions to support designers reconsider what HDTs in preventive health contexts are, for whom, and on whose terms.