Open AccessOntological Boundaries between Humans and Computers and the Implications for Human-Machine Communication
Author(s) -
Andrea Guzman
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
human machine communication journal/human-machine communication journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2638-6038
pISSN - 2638-602X
DOI - 10.30658/hmc.1.3
Subject(s) - autonomy , computer science , information and communications technology , human communication , human–computer interaction , cognitive science , psychology , communication , world wide web , political science , law
In human-machine communication, people interact with a communication partner that is of a different ontological nature from themselves. This study examines how people conceptualize ontological differences between humans and computers and the implications of these differences for human-machine communication. Findings based on data from qualitative interviews with 73 U.S. adults regarding disembodied artificial intelligence (AI) technologies (voice-based AI assistants, automated-writing software) show that people differentiate between humans and computers based on origin of being, degree of autonomy, status as tool/tool-user, level of intelligence, emotional capabilities, and inherent flaws. In addition, these ontological boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred as technologies emulate more human-like qualities, such as emotion. This study also demonstrates how people’s conceptualizations of the human-computer divide inform aspects of their interactions with communicative technologies.