Even If AI Can Cure Loneliness - Should It?

Many experts believe augmentation and automation are the shining stars of business uses of AI; their promise of greater productivity has lit up the executive imagination. In their shadow, however, a growing number of AI applications and devices are helping humans satisfy a basic need to connect with...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:MIT Sloan management review 2019-01, Vol.60 (2), p.1-4
Main Authors: Kiron, David, Unruh, Gregory
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Artificial intelligence
Executives
Loneliness
Needs analysis
Robotics
Robots
Social goals
Social norms
Startups
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Many experts believe augmentation and automation are the shining stars of business uses of AI; their promise of greater productivity has lit up the executive imagination. In their shadow, however, a growing number of AI applications and devices are helping humans satisfy a basic need to connect with others. In particular, markets are slowly forming around artificially intelligent, emotionally attuned, responsive robots that people can relate to as companions. Understanding social AI as a market maker is critical for company strategists, as well as product developers. The societal ramifications of social AI products are not entirely for regulators to address. Makers of social AI products and services need to tread carefully and really consider the difference between "Can we make and sell this?" and "Should we make and sell this?"
ISSN:1532-9194