Experts warn that more research is needed on the behavioral impact of artificial intelligence and other technologies, after studies have found they can put people at increased risk. there is
The researchers found that the placebo effect appears to be at work when people believe technology such as AI is improving their performance. We found that people with high expectations of these performance technologies took more risk in their decision making.
The team behind the findings says more research is needed to better understand how these technologies affect people’s behavior.
“People who believe they are enhanced by cutting-edge technologies such as AI and brain-computer interfaces are more likely to take risks,” said Robin Welsh, an assistant professor at Finland’s Aalto University.
“This happens even when no real enhancement technology is involved. This suggests that this is due to people’s expectations rather than a noticeable improvement. It suggests that a strong belief in improvement based on
The researchers used a well-established psychological experiment, the Columbia Card Task, to measure participants’ levels of risk-taking when they thought AI was being used. This involves participants gaining or losing points for revealing cards with hidden values. This group of 27 participants was led to believe that a form of AI was being used to improve cognitive performance.
However, participants did not know that the game was cheating and that performance techniques provided little benefit. Nonetheless, most of the group believed AI was helping them perform better, resulting in more risky decisions.
Steven Villa, Postdoctoral Fellow at LMU Munich, said: It can lead people to riskier decisions and favorable user ratings, which can have real consequences. ”
As more and more areas employ AI, such as the use of vision-enhancing technology that allows firefighters to see through smoke, researchers believe that biased expectations may lead to greater risk. They expressed concern that cravings could creep across the profession.
“AI-based technologies that empower users are becoming increasingly commonplace, playing a role in real-world decision-making that impacts people’s lives, well-being, confidence and safety,” said Professor Thomas Kosch of the University of Berlin. Stated. To ensure the effectiveness of new technologies beyond the hype, placebo-controlled studies are needed for accurate evaluation and validation to distinguish snake oil from genuine innovations. ”
