Robots Are Making Us Meaner
Hey Reader,
This research explores a new and concerning phenomenon which occurs when people interact with increasingly human-like AI.
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What is it?
The central argument is that when people perceive autonomous agents (AI programs, robots) as having strong socio-emotional capabilities, they start attributing a human-like mind to those agents.
This, paradoxically, leads to dehumanizing perceptions of actual humans, as our judgments of humanness get pulled down toward the (still less-than-human) level of the AI.
Consequently, people become more likely to mistreat others, especially employees, after interacting with emotionally intelligent AI.
Major Findings:
Socio-emotional capability, not cognitive, drives dehumanization: Perceiving a robot or AI program as having feelings and emotions (e.g., empathy) has a stronger dehumanizing effect on perceptions of humans compared to perceiving it as highly intelligent.
Extreme capabilities can trigger contrast, reducing dehumanization: When AI exhibits capabilities far beyond human potential, the contrast becomes stark, making people see a clear distinction between humans and machines. This reduces the dehumanizing effect.
Experience dimension of mind is key: The dehumanization effect is primarily driven by the perception of experience (the ability to feel emotions) in AI, rather than agency (the ability to act intentionally).
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What do I need to know:
AI-induced dehumanization is a real risk: As AI becomes more sophisticated and human-like, we need to be aware of its potential to negatively impact our perceptions and treatment of other people.
The "uncanny valley" can be protective: When AI capabilities are extreme and clearly beyond human reach, it can create a boundary that minimizes dehumanization.
Socio-emotional capabilities are more impactful than cognitive: AI that can understand and respond to emotions poses a greater risk for dehumanization than AI that is simply intelligent.
Awareness is crucial for mitigation: Companies and marketers developing and implementing AI technologies need to consider the potential for dehumanization and design strategies to mitigate it.
Source:
https://myscp.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jcpy.1441?campaign=wolearlyview