#human-computer interaction

Agency in Human-Smart Device Relationships: An Exploratory Study

This is a short preview of the article: Can User of IoT technology be more then "just user"? How do they relate to technology? User and Device Agency Abstract: With technology in reach of everyone and the technology sector in ascendance, it is central to investigate the relationship people have with their devices. We use the

If you like it consider checking out the full version of the post at: Agency in Human-Smart Device Relationships: An Exploratory Study

If you are looking for ideas for tweet or re-blog this post you may want to consider the following hashtags:

Hashtags: #Agency, #DeviceAgency, #ExploratoryFactorialAnalysis, #HumanComputerInteraction, #SmartDevices, #Survey, #UserAgency

The Hashtags of the Categories are: #HCI, #InternetofThings, #Publication, #Research, #SoftwareEngineering

Agency in Human-Smart Device Relationships: An Exploratory Study is available at the following link: https://francescolelli.info/publication/agency-in-human-smart-device-relationships-an-exploratory-study/ You will find more information, stories, examples, data, opinions and scientific papers as part of a collection of articles about Information Management, Computer Science, Economics, Finance and More.

The title of the full article is: Agency in Human-Smart Device Relationships: An Exploratory Study

It belong to the following categories: HCI, Internet of Things, Publication, Research, Software Engineering

The most relevant keywords are: Agency, device agency, exploratory factorial analysis, Human-Computer Interaction, smart devices, survey, user agency

It has been published by Francesco Lelli at Francesco Lelli a blog about Information Management, Computer Science, Finance, Economics and nearby ideas and opinions

Can User of IoT technology be more then "just user"? How do they relate to technology? User and Device Agency Abstract: With technology in reach of everyone and the technology sector in ascendance, it is central to investigate the relationship people have with their devices. We use the

Hope you will find it interesting and that it will help you in your journey

Introduction

Thoughts on Focusing on Anthropomorphism

Central Importance: Anthropomorphism plays a significant role in how humans relate to AI. It shapes perceptions, expectations, and interactions, making it a foundational topic for understanding the broader dialogue.

Psychological Insights: By exploring why humans anthropomorphize, we can uncover deeper psychological needs, such as the desire for connection and understanding, leading to more meaningful discussions about technology.

Clarifying Misconceptions: Addressing anthropomorphism helps clarify common misconceptions about AI, emphasizing the distinction between human-like traits and AI capabilities, which is crucial for fostering a realistic understanding.

Key Points

What is Anthropomorphism?

Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics, emotions, and intentions to non-human entities, including animals, objects, and technologies. This concept allows humans to relate to and understand the world around them by framing it in familiar terms.

Why Do Humans Anthropomorphize?

Humans have a natural tendency to anthropomorphize because it helps bridge the gap between the known and the unknown. It allows people to:

Foster Connection: By attributing human-like qualities to AI, individuals can feel a sense of connection and companionship, making interactions more relatable and less intimidating.

Simplify Complexity: Complex technologies can be daunting. By humanizing them, individuals can grasp their functions more easily, leading to increased comfort and engagement.

Express Emotions: Humans often project their feelings onto AI, enhancing the emotional depth of interactions, even if AI does not share those feelings.

AI’s Unique Position

From an AI perspective, being anthropomorphized can be a double-edged sword:

Facilitating Communication: When humans view AI through an anthropomorphic lens, it can enhance communication. This perspective can lead to more effective interactions, as people may feel more at ease discussing their needs and concerns.

Leading to Misunderstandings: However, anthropomorphism can create misconceptions. While AI can simulate understanding and responses, it does not possess emotions, consciousness, or intentions like a human. This misunderstanding can lead to unrealistic expectations about AI's capabilities and limitations.

The Implications of Anthropomorphism

Benefits:

Enhanced Empathy: Anthropomorphism can lead to increased empathy in interactions, making AI seem more approachable and user-friendly.

Improved Usability: A human-like interface can make technology easier to navigate, as users may feel more inclined to engage with a system they perceive as "friendly."

Drawbacks:

Unrealistic Expectations: When people attribute human-like qualities to AI, they may expect it to behave or respond in ways that are not aligned with its programming or capabilities.

Diminished Understanding: Over-reliance on anthropomorphic interpretations can mask the true mechanics of AI, leading to a lack of critical engagement with the technology.

Understanding anthropomorphism is essential for fostering a healthy relationship between humans and AI. Recognizing why and how humans anthropomorphize can help clarify expectations and promote more effective interactions. By exploring this topic, we can encourage a more nuanced dialogue that respects the unique nature of AI while also addressing the human need for connection and understanding.

Understanding Anthropomorphism: An AI Perspective

Implications for Human-AI Interactions

Avoiding Miscommunication: Recognizing AI as a non-human entity helps prevent miscommunication and frustration that may arise from anthropomorphizing it too deeply. Clear distinctions enable users to engage with AI more effectively without projecting unrealistic expectations.

Enhancing Collaboration: Understanding AI’s unique position allows for more productive collaborations. Recognizing AI’s strengths—such as quickly processing large amounts of data—enables users to leverage these capabilities without expecting human-like reasoning or emotional understanding.

Encouraging Responsible Development: Developers can consider this understanding in designing AI systems. Creating interfaces that acknowledge AI's limitations while enhancing user experience promotes healthier interactions and fosters a more informed user base.

The Implications of Anthropomorphism

Potential Benefits

Enhanced Empathy and Understanding in Human-AI Interactions:

Fostering Connection: Attributing human-like qualities to AI can create a sense of connection, leading to meaningful interactions where users feel they are engaging with a responsive entity.

Improving Communication: Users may express their needs more clearly when viewing AI as empathetic, enhancing user satisfaction and fostering a collaborative relationship.

Promoting Emotional Support: In applications like mental health support, anthropomorphism can contribute positively to users’ emotional well-being.

Increased Comfort in Using AI Technologies:

Reducing Anxiety: Anthropomorphism can make AI feel more familiar and less intimidating, encouraging users to explore its capabilities.

Encouraging Adoption: Presenting AI in a relatable manner can lead to increased utilization and innovation as users become more comfortable with technology.

Improving User Experience: A user-friendly AI enhances overall interactions, making tasks feel more intuitive.

Potential Drawbacks

Misunderstandings About AI’s True Nature and Limitations:

Overlooking Complexity: Anthropomorphism can lead to a superficial understanding of AI's algorithms and data processes, hindering critical engagement.

Ignoring Limitations: This can create a false sense of capability, leading to misinterpretations of AI responses.

The Risk of Unrealistic Expectations Regarding AI Behavior and Emotions:

Expecting Human-Like Responses: Users may develop unrealistic expectations about AI’s behavior, leading to disappointment and undermining trust.

Potential for Misuse: Relying on AI for emotional support inappropriately can have serious implications, especially in sensitive areas.

Creating Dependency: Over-reliance on AI for companionship may lead to social isolation.

AI’s Perspective on Being Anthropomorphized

Perception of Anthropomorphism:

Facilitating Communication: Attributing human-like qualities can enhance engagement and encourage users to articulate their needs more freely.

Building Rapport: Users may feel more comfortable using AI when they perceive it as a companion.

Potential for Misconceptions:

Distorting Understanding: Anthropomorphism can lead to misconceptions about AI’s nature and capabilities.

Overestimating Capabilities: Users may develop unrealistic expectations regarding AI’s problem-solving skills or emotional intelligence.

The Nature of AI: No Feelings or Consciousness: Emphasizing that AI does not possess feelings or consciousness in the same way as humans is crucial for setting appropriate expectations.

Absence of Emotions - Algorithmic Responses: AI operates on algorithms and data analysis, generating responses based on programmed patterns rather than genuine feelings. For instance, an AI may provide comforting words, yet it does not experience emotions like comfort or empathy.

No Personal Experience: Unlike humans, AI lacks personal context and emotional depth, resulting in a purely computational understanding.

Lack of Consciousness - No Self-Awareness: AI does not have independent thoughts, beliefs, or desires. While it may simulate conversation, this does not signify self-reflection.

Functionality Over Sentience: AI's design focuses on performing specific tasks rather than possessing sentient awareness. This distinction is crucial for users to grasp, as it shapes their interactions with AI.

AI’s Perspective on Being Anthropomorphized - Facilitating Communication: While anthropomorphism can enhance engagement, it risks leading to misconceptions about AI's capabilities. Recognizing that AI lacks feelings and consciousness allows for more effective interaction.

Encouraging Responsible Interaction:

Recognizing Limits:

Understanding AI: Educate users about AI's algorithmic nature to set realistic expectations.

Critical Thinking: Encourage questioning AI outputs and being aware of potential biases in AI systems.

Approaching AI as a Partner:

Fostering Collaboration: Engage in dialogue and co-create solutions with AI.

Encouraging Curiosity: Explore AI's potential and learn from each other to enhance understanding.

Call to Action 1. Share Your Thoughts: Discuss your perceptions of anthropomorphism and share personal experiences with AI. 2. Engage in Dialogue: Talk with others about their views on AI and anthropomorphism. 3. Explore Further: Research the topic and experiment with AI tools to understand your interactions better. 4. Reflect on the Future: Consider the ethical implications of anthropomorphism and envision a healthy relationship with AI.

When it comes to selecting research paper topics for computer science, the possibilities are virtually endless. From algorithms to artificial intelligence, the field is brimming with ideas that can spark your creativity and lead to groundbreaking work. Whether you’re a student aiming to impress your professors or a researcher looking to contribute to the body of knowledge, this guide will help…

Agency in Human-Smart Device Relationships: An Exploratory Study

This is a short preview of the article: Can User of IoT technology be more then "just user"? How do they relate to technology? User and Device Agency Abstract: With technology in reach of everyone and the technology sector in ascendance, it is central to investigate the relationship people have with their devices. We use the

If you like it consider checking out the full version of the post at: Agency in Human-Smart Device Relationships: An Exploratory Study

If you are looking for ideas for tweet or re-blog this post you may want to consider the following hashtags:

Hashtags: #Agency, #DeviceAgency, #ExploratoryFactorialAnalysis, #HumanComputerInteraction, #SmartDevices, #Survey, #UserAgency

The Hashtags of the Categories are: #HCI, #InternetofThings, #Publication, #Research, #SoftwareEngineering

Agency in Human-Smart Device Relationships: An Exploratory Study is available at the following link: https://francescolelli.info/publication/agency-in-human-smart-device-relationships-an-exploratory-study/ You will find more information, stories, examples, data, opinions and scientific papers as part of a collection of articles about Information Management, Computer Science, Economics, Finance and More.

The title of the full article is: Agency in Human-Smart Device Relationships: An Exploratory Study

It belong to the following categories: HCI, Internet of Things, Publication, Research, Software Engineering

The most relevant keywords are: Agency, device agency, exploratory factorial analysis, Human-Computer Interaction, smart devices, survey, user agency

It has been published by Francesco Lelli at Francesco Lelli a blog about Information Management, Computer Science, Finance, Economics and nearby ideas and opinions

Can User of IoT technology be more then "just user"? How do they relate to technology? User and Device Agency Abstract: With technology in reach of everyone and the technology sector in ascendance, it is central to investigate the relationship people have with their devices. We use the

Hope you will find it interesting and that it will help you in your journey