Negative Consequences of Anthropomorphized Technology: A Bias-Threat-Illusion Model

Abstract

Attributing human-like traits to information technology (IT)-leading to what is called anthropomorphized technology (AT)-is increasingly common by users of IT. Previous IS research has offered varying perspectives on AT, although it primarily focuses on the positive consequences. This paper aims to clarify the construct of AT and proposes a "bias-threat-illusion" model to classify the negative consequences of AT. Drawing on "threefactor theory of anthropomorphism" from social psychology and integrating self-regulation theory, we propose that failing to regulate the use of elicited agent knowledge and to control the intensified psychological needs (i.e., sociality and effectance) when interacting with AT leads to negative consequences: "transferring human bias," "inducing threat to human agency," and "creating illusionary relationship." Based on this bias-threat-illusion model, we propose theory-driven remedies to attenuate negative consequences. We conclude with implications for IS theories and practice.

How the information system utilization context may lead to unintended technology use: A case of a maternal mHealth intervention in Kenya

“…Such insights would be useful to design. Our study adds to this growing body of literature such as Moussawi et al (2020), andZheng andJarvenpaa (2019). Although we present a scenario where an asynchronous SMS-based mHealth intervention is personified, we do not expect that all such interventions will be humanized to a similar extent by users.…”

The effect of anthropomorphized technology failure on the desire to connect with others

“…This study has largely focused on documenting the beneficial effect of AT on a wide range of consumer outcomes including engagement and loyalty (Moriuchi, 2019), trust (Pitardi & Marriott, 2021; Waytz et al, 2014), and intentions to use (Moussawi & Benbunan‐Fich, 2021). In contrast, the possible negative effects of AT have garnered less attention, prompting scholars to encourage research around this topic (Zheng & Jarvenpaa, 2019). Further, extant work has mostly researched consumers' successful interactions with AT, dedicating less attention to incidents of technology failure despite their pervasiveness.…”