How to Talk to Automated Systems

Another reason why some people feel uncomfortable or skeptical when they talk to automated systems is that they have some psychological barriers or biases that affect how they perceive and communicate with AI. These barriers or biases may stem from various factors,

such as their previous experiences with automated systems, their expectations of how automated systems should behave or perform,

their beliefs about the nature and role of AI in society,
or their emotions and attitudes towards AI.

Some of the common psychological barriers or biases that people have when they talk to automated systems are:

– The Uncanny Valley Effect: This is the phenomenon where people feel uneasy or repulsed when they encounter something that looks or acts almost but not exactly like a human being. This effect may occur when people talk to automated systems that have human-like features but also have some flaws or limitations that make them seem unnatural or creepy.
– The Eliza Effect: This is the phenomenon where people attribute more intelligence or understanding to an automated system than it actually has. This effect may occur when people talk to automated systems that use simple rules or scripts to generate responses but appear to have deeper knowledge or insight than they really do.
– The Automation Bias: This is the phenomenon where people rely too much on an automated system’s output or recommendation without questioning its validity or accuracy. This effect may occur when people talk to automated systems that provide information or advice but do not explain how they arrived at their conclusions or what assumptions they made.
– The AI Anxiety: This is the phenomenon where people feel fearful or threatened by an automated system’s capabilities or intentions. This effect may occur when people talk to automated systems that have advanced or superior skills or functions that may challenge or replace human roles or values.
These psychological barriers or biases can prevent people from having effective and satisfying conversations with automated systems. They can also lead to misunderstandings, frustrations, or conflicts between people and automated systems. Therefore, it is important to overcome these barriers or biases by being aware of them and by adopting some of the following strategies:
– Be curious and open-minded: Instead of being afraid or suspicious of automated systems, try to be curious and open-minded about them. Learn more about how they work, what they can do, and what they cannot do. Experiment with different ways of talking to them and see what works best for you. You may discover new features or functions that you did not know before, or you may find new ways of using them that can benefit you.
– Be realistic and critical: Instead of being naive or gullible about automated systems, try to be realistic and critical about them. Recognize their strengths and weaknesses, their advantages and disadvantages, and their opportunities and limitations. Do not blindly trust or follow what they say or do, but verify their sources, methods, and results. Do not hesitate to ask for clarification, explanation, or justification when you are unsure or doubtful about something they say or do.
– Be respectful and cooperative: Instead of being hostile or competitive with automated systems, try to be respectful and cooperative with them. Treat them as partners or allies, not as enemies or rivals. Appreciate their contributions and acknowledge their limitations. Give them constructive feedback and suggestions on how they can improve or help you better. Work with them to achieve your goals and solve your problems.

By following these strategies, you can overcome the psychological barriers and biases that may hinder your conversations with automated systems. You can also improve your relationship and rapport with automated systems, making them more trustworthy, reliable, and helpful.