Meaning through fiction: Science fiction and innovative technologies.

Abstract

Connecting philosophical and psychological theories on meaning to theories and findings on the real-world influence of fictional stories, the authors argue that science fiction provides meaning for otherwise disconcerting new technologies. An experiment with two points of measurement was conducted. After watching a full-length movie with a humanoid robot in a main role (vs. a control film condition) participants had a clearer understanding of humanoids. This in turn was related to a stronger link between the concept of humanoid robots and the self, which predicted a higher willingness to buy or use humanoid robot technology. The results remained stable after a two-week post-exposure delay. Implications regarding the meaning-generating function of fiction, science fiction, and humanoid robots are discussed.

Are robots becoming unpopular? Changes in attitudes towards autonomous robotic systems in Europe

“…given that the fear of innovations on the verge of category boundaries will be reduced with personal experience and familiarity (e.g., Appel, Krause, Gleich, & Mara, 2016;Zlotowski et al, 2015). Yet, a technology that incorporates potential positive consequences (support and assistance) and potential negative consequences (job loss, existential questions) could elicit an approach-avoidance conflict (cf.…”

“…It is likely that robotic systems will be more readily accepted with increasing familiarity. When people gain hands-on experience with their usefulness, their evaluation of robots is expected to rise (Savela, Turja, & Oksanen, 2017; see also Appel et al, 2016). In this vein, it could also be informative to examine various personality characteristics that have been associated with the diffusion of innovations (e.g., opinion leadership) to predict attitude change and the adoption of new robotic services within social groups (e.g., Gnambs & Batinic, 2012;Jansson, Nordlund, & Westin, 2017).…”

Otakuism and the Appeal of Sex Robots

“…For example, a famous manga and anime is Chobits , which is about a love story between a humanoid robot and its owner. As previous literature showed, science fiction featuring humanoid robots can lead to higher willingness for buying and using real-life robots among recipients (Mara and Appel, 2015; Appel et al, 2016). AMG fans are supposed to have a higher familiarity with the concept of (pseudo-)romantic relationships with non-human characters (e.g., the waifu) as well as with storylines including robotic partners.…”

“…AMG fans are supposed to have a higher familiarity with the concept of (pseudo-)romantic relationships with non-human characters (e.g., the waifu) as well as with storylines including robotic partners. Appel et al (2016) suggest that technological innovations at times violate expectations as they lack a meaningful connection to previously formed mental representations of the world, oneself, or oneself in the world (cf. Heine et al, 2006).…”

Appreciation on Plots and Style of <i>The Time Machine</i>

“…In such circumstance, is the time line broken or changed? It's better to take the long view when thinking over the social issues [7]. Human reaches his peak and decline to a dangerous situation after over 800,000 years, while there're signs indicating this trend at present: the lazy people chasing after comfort, enjoyment and convenience, the upper class people excluding the underclass away from their extravagant life which can be typically showed in the super metropolis Dubai, poor people being hidden at the invisible lousy and nasty corners of the city, and people being divided automatically and developing in different directions.…”