THE EFFECT OF CHARACTER CALLS FEATURE IN CHARACTER.AI ON REDUCING SPEAKING ANXIETY AMONG JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

This research is motivated by the high level of anxiety in speaking English among junior high school students, which can hinder their learning process and achievement of language competency. The use of artificial intelligence (AI)-based technology, such as the Character Calls feature of the Character.AI application, offers an innovative and interactive approach to reducing this anxiety. This study aims to examine the impact of the Character Calls feature on reducing students' anxiety levels in speaking English at the junior high school level. This study used a quasi-experimental design involving 40 second-grade students at Soko 1 Junior High School, Tuban, Indonesia, who were divided into two groups: the experimental group used the Character Calls feature for two weeks (10 sessions), while the control group studied conventionally without using AI. Data were collected through the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) questionnaire and observations before and after the intervention, then analyzed using an independent samples t-test and Cohen's d effect size calculation. The results showed a significant decrease in speaking anxiety in the experimental group, with an average decrease of about 13% from 65.30 to 56.85, while the control group only experienced a decrease of about 3% from 61.45 to 59.75. Statistical tests confirmed the effectiveness of the Character Calls feature in reducing anxiety levels, indicating that AI-based language learning tools can create a supportive and non-intimidating learning environment and increase students' speaking motivation. These findings provide valuable insights for educators and developers to continue optimizing AI features to support language learners in overcoming speaking anxiety.