Exploratory Investigation of the Effects of Perspective Taking and Awareness of Vulnerability on Impressions of Robots

Abstract

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objective.</strong> This exploratory study investigated whether perspective-taking and awareness of vulnerability procedures could enhance impressions of robots. <br><strong>Background.</strong> A society characterized by the harmonious coexistence of humans and robots is poised for realization in the imminent future. Nevertheless, numerous challenges must be confronted for the materialization of such a societal paradigm. One among them pertains to the prevailing tendency for humans to harbor adverse perceptions of robots, the amelioration of which proves to be a complex endeavor. The present study undertakes an exploratory investigation into strategies aimed at mitigating unfavorable impressions associated with robots. <br><strong>Study design.</strong> Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control group, perspective perception group, and robot vulnerability awareness group, and received different instructions. <br><strong>Participants.</strong> Online experiments were conducted with 360 participants who were asked to imagine and describe a day in the life of a robot, and their impressions of the robot were measured using a questionnaire. <br><strong>Measurements.</strong> Upon conjecturing and articulating the robot's daily routines, participants shared their perceptions of the robot through the application of three assessment tools: the Robot Anxiety Scale, the Mind Attribution Scale, and the Familiarity Rating Scale. <br><strong>Results.</strong> The manipulation checks confirmed successful manipulation, but there was no evidence that perspective-taking or awareness of vulnerability influenced impressions of the robot. <br><strong>Conclusions.</strong> The efficacy of perspective-taking, a technique established as beneficial in ameliorating adverse perceptions of humans, may exhibit diminished effectiveness in the context of alleviating negative impressions associated with robots.</p>