Anthropomorphism in social AIs: Some challenges
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Date
2024
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Elsevier Press
Abstract
In this chapter, we are concerned with anthropomorphism in social AIs, particularly social chatbots. While not embodied in terms of having a human-like appearance, these chatbots are designed to induce attribution of intentionality and agency to engage users in enhanced interactions. Here we identify and present two strategies used to address the legitimacy of the anthropomorphisation, the intentional creation of human-like traits, of AIs: ontological and pragmatic. We further review some objections to pragmatic attempts to justify the anthropomorphisation of AIs. It is not our goal to argue in favour or against anthropomorphising social chatbots. Rather we examine some persistent concerns and call for more attention to and further research and reflection on the ethical, psychological, and ontological assumptions underlying them.