Tech embodies human-like qualities, say researchers.

TLDR:

• Researchers are increasingly attributing human-like qualities to technology, particularly AI chatbots.
• Stanford University study found that using human pronouns for technology could mislead the public about the capabilities of artificial intelligence.

Academic research is showing a trend towards anthropomorphizing technology, with a recent study by Stanford University researchers highlighting the potential implications of attributing human-like qualities to AI and other cutting-edge developments. Myra Cheng and her team analyzed over 655,000 academic publications and around 14,000 news articles to gauge the extent to which technology is being portrayed with human pronouns like “he” or “she” instead of “it.” This shift towards treating technology as human could lead to misconceptions about the true capabilities of AI and other technologies.

The study suggests that by humanizing technology, researchers may inadvertently create false expectations about the abilities of AI systems and other technological advancements, potentially leading to a misunderstanding of their limitations and potential risks. As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it is essential for researchers and the public to maintain a clear understanding of the true nature of these technologies to make informed decisions about their applications and implications.