Robots, social networking sites and multi‐user games: using new and existing assistive technologies to promote human flourishing

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine and explore the use of various existing and developing technologies to enable and enhance users' lives.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the current research evidence and explores some policies that have been developed in this area.FindingsThe findings indicate that many technologies in current existence can be adapted to assist people with disabilities. The paper looks to the future and speculates how new and developing technologies could push the boundaries of assistance and enablement. Using clinical examples, some of the ethical and legal implications of the use of such technologies, and how certain conditions may be aided, notably disorders on the neurodiverse spectrum, are discussed.Originality/valueThis paper will be of use to practitioners and researchers in the fields of learning disability and mental health.

Social Robots, Brain Machine Interfaces and Neuro/Cognitive Enhancers: Three Emerging Science and Technology Products through the Lens of Technology Acceptance Theories, Models and Frameworks

“…In the case of social robotics there was particular focus on core measure related to attitudes toward social robots (n = 9 in TRA, n = 8 in TPB, n = 7 in PC utilization), perceived usefulness (n = 7), long-term consequences (n = 13 in PC utilization), and facilitating conditions such as age (n = 13 in PC utilization, n = 6 in UTAUT). In general, articles explored positive personal experiences with robots such as entertainment value, pleasure gains, and increased independence, with some noting that older generations are generally less accepting of technology [148], and overly human-like robots would be perceived as creepy [149,150]. Perceived usefulness included social robots taking over dangerous jobs, and relieving human resource pressures (especially in eldercare).…”

Sexbots: Customizing Them to Suit Us versus an Ethical Duty to Created Sentient Beings to Minimize Suffering

“…Research into how social robots are perceived in clinical situations such as robot assisted therapy for children with developmental disorders [4], how experienced and future professionals in such contexts perceive social robots [5] and how social robot body proportions affect their being perceived as gendered [6] represent exemplary thoughtful interrogations of the potential roles and ethical dimensions of social robots' role in clinical contexts. There is increasing acceptance that social robots may be customized to prove useful in education [7] as well as in clinical situations [8]. Carebots, or care robots, are currently promulgated as an essential source of psychological, medical and welfare support for the increasing proportions of elderly and infirm citizens as demographic changes progress [9,10].…”

Learning futures with mixed sentience

“…Recently the notion of ‗agency' or autonomous action in the surrounding environment has been extended to robots and software agents, recasting them as ‗social agents' (Holz, Dragone & O'Hare, 2009;Mackenzie & Watts, 2011). In this framework, robots can participate as both independent and interdependent elements in active learning scenarios, whether part of semi-or fully autonomous technological systems (Steinert, 2014).…”