AI + The New Human Frontier

CHAPTER 21Trust + the Changing Nature of Influence

Interpersonal Trust: Trust in Our “AI Companions”

Trust is a crucial factor when it comes to embracing new technologies. It is also a crucial factor when it comes to embracing new “relationships.” Imagine having an AI that not only understands your needs and desires but also anticipates them. This is a totally different type of relationship and level of intimacy. An AI can bring us closer to a future where our digital assistants not only serve as capable helpers but also earn our trust as reliable companions. We know that humans have a deep tendency toward anthropomorphism—the imputation of human-like qualities onto animals and nonliving things. Anthropomorphizing pets, for example, doesn't require the belief that the pet is human, only that the personality and behavior inspire humans to treat it like a person with complex desires, motivations, or memories (something I am guilty of when it comes to my two cats). Social AI is purposefully made to elicit anthropomorphic reactions. Starting from early childhood, AI affects how humans feel about “thinking” technology. Alexa is already interacting with children who anthropomorphize “her.” At the other end of the age spectrum, seniors are a growing market for AI and a major growth market for robots in caregiving and personal assistance. Religious representatives are often called in to comfort those at the end of life. Now chatbots can help people speak about end of life, give comfort, ...