A new study has revealed optimistic prospects for using robots’ behavioral outcomes and social positions to promote pro-social behavior. The findings by Kun Xu, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Media Production, Management, and Technology assistant professor in emerging media, were featured in “A Mini Imitation Game: How individuals Model Social Robots Via Behavioral Outcomes and Social Roles” published in Telematics and Informatics, Volume 78, March 2023.

In the study, Xu focused on how social robots can be used as role models to encourage individuals’ modeling behavior. The results suggest that social robots’ presentation of behavior with positive consequences, or mere behavior with no outcomes, exerts indirect effects on individuals’ modeling behavior.

According to Xu, “This study further suggested that assigning a social robot an instructor role was more effective than assigning it a fellow role in evoking users’ modeling tendencies.”

He adds, “Social robots can be used as role models to promote pro-social behavior like environment protection. This study informs user experience design by demonstrating that even the arbitrary assignment of an instructor role to social robots can evoke users’ modeling tendencies. Researchers should pay full attention to the potential ethical risks of manipulating social robots’ behavior and social roles.”

Posted: August 14, 2023
Category: AI at CJC News, College News, Research News
Tagged as: AI, Kun Xu, Social Robots, Telematics and Informatics