We Do Not Anthropomorphize a Robot Based Only on Its Cover: Context Matters too!

Abstract

The increasing presence of robots in our society raises questions about how these objects are perceived by users. Individuals seem inclined to attribute human capabilities to robots, a phenomenon called anthropomorphism. Contrary to what intuition might suggest, these attributions vary according to different factors, not only robotic factors (related to the robot itself), but also situational factors (related to the interaction setting), and human factors (related to the user). The present review aims at synthesizing the results of the literature concerning the factors that influence anthropomorphism, in order to specify their impact on the perception of robots by individuals. A total of 134 experimental studies were included from 2002 to 2023. The mere appearance hypothesis and the SEEK (sociality, effectance, and elicited agent knowledge) theory are two theories attempting to explain anthropomorphism. According to the present review, which highlights the crucial role of contextual factors, the SEEK theory better explains the observations on the subject compared to the mere appearance hypothesis, although it does not explicitly explain all the factors involved (e.g., the autonomy of the robot). Moreover, the large methodological variability in the study of anthropomorphism makes the generalization of results complex. Recommendations are proposed for future studies.

People with Autism Spectrum Disorder Could Interact More Easily with a Robot than with a Human: Reasons and Limits

“…Nevertheless, these categorization studies were not carried out using the same methodology: one involved categorizing the images of several robots after seeing them in a video [104], while the other involved categorizing a specific robot (NAO) after interacting directly with it [105]. Yet, the way in which the robot is presented (in a photo, a video, or during a virtual or physical interaction) can produce different effects on its perception, as has been highlighted in the TD population [106] but also in the ASD population [107]. The second categorization study therefore follows a more ecological methodology, although it focuses on a single robot.…”

“…In TD individuals, the type of robot used plays a role in its perception and the behaviors expressed towards it, but the characteristics of the user and the context of the interaction (the situation in which it takes place) also determine how it unfolds [106]. It is therefore important to take them into account when analyzing the results.…”

Perception of robotic actions and the influence of gender

“…Especially the identification with a robot as a co-worker is based on the attitude toward a robot, technological expertise, and personality ( Savela et al, 2021 ). Dubois-Sage et al (2023) describe a large interindividual variability in anthropomorphism that depends on age, gender, personality, culture, previous experience with technology, level of education, degree of social isolation, and the developmental type of the individual.…”

Brands talking on events? Brand personification in real-time marketing tweets to drive consumer engagement

“…The theory posits that people are more likely to anthropomorphize a nonhuman object when they can easily elicit human agent knowledge from the nonhuman object, when they have a stronger need to socialize with people and when they have a stronger interest in making sense of the object. Anthropomorphism may lead to a perception of higher competence of the object and a more favorable affinity toward it (Dubois-Sage et al , 2023; Epley et al , 2007). Brands’ use of personification techniques facilitates the elicitation of human agent knowledge, thereby allowing brands to capitalize on the favorable anthropomorphic effects.…”