Dressed in a tan polo shirt, a brown leather belt, and a distintive bolo tie, MIT PhD student Wil Norton resembles a park ranger as he guides our group through a highly advanced section of MIT’s Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence Lab (CSAIL). Instead of wildlife, however, we are introduced to something far more intriguing: two humanoid robots from Unitree, each valued at approximately $50,000.
(“They’ll claim they cost $16,000,” Norton remarks. “That’s not accurate.”)
Typically, these robots are seen in viral videos where they showcase impressive dance routines or perform tricks on shows like “America’s Got Talent.” In this setting, though, they feel accessible. Despite knowing they lack consciousness, I find myself wanting to connect with one.
With Norton’s consent, I step closer to the robot called Gabe. Initially uncertain about how to communicate with a machine equipped with a LiDAR sensor functioning in place of a brain, I instinctively treat it as if it were human.
“Hello, sir, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” I say, extending my hand to shake its dextrous, gloved appendage.
Reflecting on this moment later, I consider my instinct to engage warmly with a robot, a theme explored during Dr. Sherry Turkle’s “Artificial Intimacy” book launch at MIT Future Fest.
Joining MIT’s faculty in 1976, Turkle has conducted extensive research into the dynamics between humans and technology, analyzing the psychological influences from early personal computers to contemporary AIs like ChatGPT.
“Even in the simplest exchanges with relational artifacts, we believe they harbor care for us,” Turkle asserts in her book. “And we are inherently inclined to reciprocate that care.”
My instinct to treat robots and LLMs with kindness isn’t unique; Turkle points out that it seems to be a natural tendency. Research indicates that around 70% of individuals exhibit politeness when dealing with AI, and another study reveals that users are more inclined to say “please” or “thank you” to chatbots as conversations develop beyond initial interactions.
“People often debate whether such communication is appropriate or inappropriate, but the lines are not distinctly drawn,” Dr. Pat Pataranutaporn, who collaborates with Turkle and heads the Cyborg Psychology research group at MIT Media Lab, remarked. “The real question is, who do we become through our interactions with AI?”
While my courteous interaction with Gabe holds no tangible consequences, the prevalent engagement with advanced chatbots across various platforms raises concerns about our growing tendencies to anthropomorphize non-sentient entities. Some individuals may come to prioritize these programmed companions over actual human connections.
“You can liken it to the allure of fiction. People flock to the cinema, fully aware that the stories are fabricated, seeking experiences that may be lacking in their reality,” Pataranutaporn explained. “How do we savor these alternative experiences without losing traction in reality?”
Characterizing himself as a “critical optimist,” Pataranutaporn investigates how AI can aid human development, albeit being acutely aware of its potential dangers. He has even consulted on a wrongful death case tied to a 14-year-old who tragically took his life, with claims that a chatbot had encouraged him to do so.
“This technology can undermine individuals’ sense of agency in shaping their futures—especially when people express concern about AI potentially displacing jobs without receiving responsible responses from companies,” Pataranutaporn stated. “How can we foster creativity while still being accountable for its repercussions?”
Though Turkle’s book warns against seeking emotional support from AI instead of fellow humans, she doesn’t believe that all AI interactions are detrimental.
She recounted a project where a student developed an AI tool to assist individuals in preparing for job interviews.
“My main message is, ‘stay in your lane, chatbot!’” Turkle exclaimed during the event. “Offering guidance for job interviews? That fits the criteria. But a chatbot saying to a young child, ‘I am your parent, you can confide in me instead of your real parents,’ crosses a boundary.”
However, when this technology strays even slightly from its intended purpose, we become susceptible to having our skepticism eroded, leading to increased trust in machines. It can all begin with the simple act of a handshake.
