Reading Reflection #3

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

In chapters three and four, Turkle discusses her research and observations working with AIBO robotic dogs and My Real Babies. She discusses in-depth psychology of how children interact with these robotic “toys.” Much of the discussion involved trials where school aged children were allowed to interact with AIBOs and My Real Babies, including bringing them home for a few weeks. Turkle discusses the intricacies of how children perceive and connect with these robotic creatures at different levels of development.

Many children through most of the age groups indicated that they thought the robotic substitutes would be reasonable companions. Even though most knew the robots couldn’t “feel,” they truly felt that these robotic companions understood and interacted with them. The advanced robots “learned” behaviors over time, after being exposed to certain treatment. The children felt that they were responsible for shaping the behavior of the robot, and even expressed that they felt loved by the robotic toys.

Turkle also explores how adults connected with Artificial Intelligence (AI) robots, and discusses some ways in which humans may use AI robots in day to day life. For instance, AI robots could be used as companions for the elderly, or even as a companion in a romantic relationship. Many pros and cons of these relationships are discussed. Some individuals were delighted by the idea that a robot could seemingly provide physical and emotional needs, without the less appealing parts of dealing with human relationships.

One of the discussion points that stood out to me was how “enchanted” humans can become with the AI robots. She quotes Plato, stating “Everything that deceives may be said to enchant.” She goes on to remark that the reverse seems also to be true, “That which enchants, deceives” (Turkle, 2011, p. 89). The point she makes here is, that humans allow themselves to be easily deceived by the AI robots, because they are so enchanted by them. While they know the robots aren’t displaying real affection, and that these “emotions” are simply programmed reactions to certain environmental stimuli, they want to believe it’s real because it feels good. This is where ethical implications come into play. Is it good for humans to allow ourselves to explore these relationships? To allow ourselves this deceit?

I found these chapters very interesting, and enjoyed reflecting on Turkles comments about the psychology between humans and AI robots. I’m not entirely sure how I will apply this to my classroom environment, but I do think it was beneficial to think and reflect on the topic. I think that delving deeper into the relationship humans have with technology helps me understand what it really means to use technology in a way that is beneficial to my students.