Are friends electric? The benefits and risks of human-robot relationships

Prescott, Tony J.; Robillard, Julie M.

doi:10.1016/j.isci.2020.101993

Cited by 58 publications

(49 citation statements)

References 122 publications

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“…Ethical concerns have been expressed in robot ethics literature, not only focusing on the impact of social robots but human-robot collaborations in general. Example concerns include the loss of privacy, loss of control, infantilisation, attribution of responsibility, loss of human contact, emotional deception, and emotional attachment [19,[21][22][23][24][25][26]. Furthermore, these concerns not only apply to the people directly interacting with the robot but also to others that are engaged in improving the quality of life for these people [27,28].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A New Perspective on Robot Ethics through Investigating Human–Robot Interactions with Older Adults

et al. 2021

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This work explored the use of human–robot interaction research to investigate robot ethics. A longitudinal human–robot interaction study was conducted with self-reported healthy older adults to determine whether expression of artificial emotions by a social robot could result in emotional deception and emotional attachment. The findings from this study have highlighted that currently there appears to be no adequate tools, or the means, to determine the ethical impact and concerns ensuing from long-term interactions between social robots and older adults. This raises the question whether we should continue the fundamental development of social robots if we cannot determine their potential negative impact and whether we should shift our focus to the development of human–robot interaction assessment tools that provide more objective measures of ethical impact.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A New Perspective on Robot Ethics through Investigating Human–Robot Interactions with Older Adults

et al. 2021

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“…In an attempt to reduce loneliness and its many associated consequences (e.g., cardiovascular disease, depression, and suicidal thoughts) a range of technological solutions are being developed [1,2] . It has been proposed that the ability of social robots to analyse and respond to aspects of human behaviour make them a candidate solution for addressing loneliness in some contexts [3] . To sidestep the complexities, expense, and high expectations associated with developing humanoid robots to take on these roles, robot developers are increasingly drawing inspiration from other 'successful' social animals [3,4] .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring Behaviours Percieved as Important to the Human-Dog Bond and their Translation to a Robotic Platform

Riddoch¹,

Hawkins²,

Cross³

2021

UK-RAS Conference for PhD and Early Career Researchers Proceedings

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To facilitate long-term engagement with social robots, robots can be modelled on 'successful' social animalsspecifically, pet dogs. Unfortunately, scientific understanding is limited to qualities of dogs that are 'liked', opposed to behaviours that facilitate and maintain the human-dog bond. To better understand dog behaviours that are important for building bonds between owner and pet, we collected open-ended responses from dog owners (n=153). Thematic analysis identified 7 behaviour categories: the importance of 1) attunement, 2) communication, 3) consistency and predictability, 4) physical affection, 5) positivity and enthusiasm, 6) proximity, and 7) shared activities. We consider the feasibility of translating dog behaviours into a robotic platform, and potential barriers moving forward. In addition to providing insight into important behaviours for human-dog bonding, this work provides a springboard for those hoping to implement dog behaviours into animal-like agents, avatars, and robots.

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“…Noting the overall benefit of close supportive relationships on individual self-esteem and well-being, they conclude that relationships formed online are perceived as less close, have shorter duration, reduced variety of conversation, and are less supportive. Kachouie et al (2017) reveal that relationships formed with social assistive robots can improve elderly well-being, especially their positive emotions and relationships, or can be used for encouraging behaviours that promote well-being, as in rehabilitation therapy or to promote self-directed exercise (Prescott & Robillard, 2021).…”

Section: Epistemological: Relationshipsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Epistemological: Relationshipsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Humans develop deep emotional attachments to robots (Prescott & Robillard, 2021;Turkle, 2007). Social robotics may simulate feelings and friendship, reduce loneliness and anxiousness (Prescott & Robillard, 2021) and be convincing in doing so. The benefits may overlook or encourage the other outcomes: "companionship without the demands of friendship, the illusion of connection without the reciprocity of a mutual relationship" Turkle (2017b, p. 1).…”

Section: Epistemological: Relationshipsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Safekeeping of Being - A Leadership Responsibility

Harris¹

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Human existence is one entangled with technologies where humans attribute meaning, value and importance to technologies as they integrate them into their daily existence. Technology change frequently creates ethically potent circumstances requiring a response from leaders. This research considers how public-sector leaders might ethically guide existential technology change. The research draws on selected ontological and phenomenological ideas in light of contemporary leadership thinking and public-sector leadership practice to develop a conceptual model. The model illustrates the uncertain, ambiguous and confused state that hinders leaders’ ability to guide technology change. Its central node is ontological ambiguity, which is probed further in order to provide a foundation for leaders to guide technology change. The primary proposition is that contemporary leadership presents a diminished and disoriented position to the mediated relation humans have with technology and that an ontological perspective can help public-sector leaders who govern existentially-mediating technologies to overcome limitations in their practice.

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Are friends electric? The benefits and risks of human-robot relationships

Cited by 58 publications

References 122 publications

A New Perspective on Robot Ethics through Investigating Human–Robot Interactions with Older Adults

A New Perspective on Robot Ethics through Investigating Human–Robot Interactions with Older Adults

Exploring Behaviours Percieved as Important to the Human-Dog Bond and their Translation to a Robotic Platform

The Safekeeping of Being - A Leadership Responsibility

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