Presentation: https://www.figma.com/proto/yOnsQBTD8foFwLKdCoYdvx/Untitled?node-id=1-3&p=f&t=pPvSSdqmeOiSkj7P-1&scaling=contain&content-scaling=fixed&page-id=0%3A1
A presentation based on my Foundations of Information research paper about how cute design fosters trust between humans and machines.
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life, understanding how trust is built between humans and AI systems is vital—particularly in the context of social robots. My paper and presentation explores the role of cuteness as a design strategy to fostering trust in AI, particularly on drawing on the features of baby schema effect and principles of anthropomorphism. Cuteness, characterized by infantile features and limited movement, evokes positive emotional responses and creates a perception of harmlessness and emotional intimacy, which can facilitate trust. However, the reliance on aesthetic cues over actual system competence raises ethical concerns around too much trust and manipulation. The paper argues that while cute design is effective in enabling initial engagement and perceived trustworthiness, it can also produce limitations and inflate user expectations, presenting both psychological and safety risks. As AI systems evolve and become more prevalent, it is crucial to examine the long-term implications of design-driven trust and involve multidisciplinary perspectives in robot development to ensure safe, ethical, and meaningful human-robot interactions.
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