anthropomorphism
The tendency of humans, especially children, to attribute human-like qualities, emotions, and intentions to machines and computer programs.
4 chapters across 2 books
Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other (2011)Sherry Turkle
Chapter 1, "Nearest Neighbors," explores the evolving human relationship with computational objects, particularly sociable robots and virtual pets like Tamagotchi. It discusses how children and adults anthropomorphize machines, perceive them as "alive enough," and form emotional attachments, highlighting the role of transitional objects and the cultural shift toward accepting technological opacity. The chapter also addresses the psychological and social implications of these attachments, including mourning virtual beings and the blurred boundaries between humans and machines.
Chapter 7, "Communion," explores the complex human relationships with sociable robots and artificial intelligence, focusing on the psychological and philosophical implications of human-robot interactions. It discusses anthropomorphism, emotional bonding with robots, and critiques of AI that emphasize embodiment and sensate experience. The chapter also addresses the social constructs around robots, the merging of human identity with technology, and the ethical and affective dimensions of these interactions.
The Second Self (1984)Sherry Turkle
Chapter 1 of Sherry Turkle's "The Second Self" explores the evolving human relationship with computational objects, particularly sociable robots and virtual pets like Tamagotchi. It examines children's shifting perceptions of aliveness and cognition in machines, the role of anthropomorphism, and the psychological significance of transitional objects in mediating human-machine bonds. The chapter also discusses cultural responses to machine companionship, including mourning and attachment behaviors, highlighting the complex interplay between technology, identity, and emotion.
Chapter 7, "Communion," explores the complex human-robot relationship, focusing on how humans anthropomorphize robots and develop emotional bonds with them. It discusses theoretical perspectives from cognitive science, philosophy, and psychoanalysis to analyze the social and emotional dynamics of human-machine interactions, including the concept of 'complicity' and the embodiment necessary for intelligence. The chapter also highlights real-world examples of robotic companions and their impact on users, emphasizing the evolving nature of identity and self in the context of technological integration.