The anthropomorphization, the anthropomorphism, and artificial empathy as modulators of acceptance and risks in human-machine interaction

Abstract

Technological evolution has resulted in increasingly frequent interactions between humans and machines. In this context, aiming for more fluid and empathetic experiences with their human users, machines have begun to incorporate characteristics in their form and interaction patterns that resemble anthropomorphic and/or anthropomorphized attributes (or zoomorphic or zoomorphized ones), impacting the interaction and resulting in perceptions of intentionality, empathy, and the ability to understand and express emotions by the humans who interact with them. This theoretical article examines how anthropomorphization, anthropomorphism, and artificial empathy modulate acceptance and risks in human-machine interaction. It discusses how the simulation of emotions by robots and artificial intelligences can facilitate the acceptance of these technologies, but also raises ethical questions about authenticity and emotional manipulation. Although the emulation of emotions can create stronger bonds between humans and machines, the emotions expressed by artificial beings are programmed, not genuine, which can generate unrealistic expectations and potential manipulation of human behavior, a concern particularly relevant in vulnerable contexts such as mental health and education.