People Perceive Phantom Costs When Robots Make Overly Generous Offers

Core Concepts

People imagine hidden "phantom costs" when robots make overly generous offers, leading them to be less likely to accept the offers.

Abstract

This study explores whether people perceive phantom costs when interacting with robots, similar to how they perceive phantom costs when interacting with humans making overly generous offers. The key findings are: Replicating previous research, the study found that people perceive phantom costs and are less likely to accept overly generous offers (a cookie plus $2) from human agents compared to a simple cookie offer. The study found that people also perceive phantom costs and are less likely to accept overly generous offers from robot agents, across both screen-embodied and physically-embodied conditions. While people were more likely to accept offers from robots compared to humans overall, the money backfire effect (being less likely to accept the offer with the additional $2) was observed for both human and robot agents. The embodiment of the agent (screen vs. physical) influenced the likelihood of accepting offers from human agents, but not from robot agents. Physically embodied human agents were more likely to have their offers accepted compared to screen-embodied human agents. Participants cited various criteria for their decisions, with phantom costs being a key factor, especially for the overly generous offers. Other factors included excitement, hunger, perceptions of the agent, sanitation concerns, and social etiquette. The study provides new insights into how people make decisions when interacting with robots, showing that they can perceive hidden intentions and phantom costs, similar to how they perceive such factors when interacting with humans. This has important implications for designing transparent and trustworthy robot behaviors.

Stats

"People are more keen to accept an offer when more money is proposed." "People sometimes reject overly generous offers from people because they imagine hidden "phantom costs" must be part of the transaction."

Quotes

"People use explanations in order to understand the world (e.g., nature, people, mental states, behaviors, etc)." "When someone is acting in a way that is not expected by other people, such as being overly generous, people try to understand the reason why this person is acting that way." "Phantom costs have the capacity to influence human decision-making processes and the way they will perceive their interlocutor."

Key Insights Distilled From

Too good to be true

by Benjamin Leb... at arxiv.org 04-12-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2404.07409.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How might cultural differences influence the perception of phantom costs when interacting with robots?

Cultural differences can significantly impact the perception of phantom costs when interacting with robots. In some cultures, there may be a higher level of trust in technology and automation, leading to a more positive perception of robot behaviors. On the other hand, in cultures where there is a greater emphasis on personal interactions and relationships, people may be more likely to attribute negative intentions to robots offering overly generous gifts. Additionally, cultural norms and values regarding trust, reciprocity, and suspicion can shape how individuals interpret and respond to ambiguous or unexpected behaviors from robots. For example, in cultures where skepticism towards technology is prevalent, people may be more inclined to imagine hidden motives or phantom costs in robot interactions.

What other factors, beyond phantom costs, might influence people's decisions to accept or reject offers from robots?

Several other factors can influence people's decisions to accept or reject offers from robots. One key factor is the perceived reliability and credibility of the robot. If the robot is perceived as trustworthy and competent, individuals may be more likely to accept offers from it. Additionally, the perceived usefulness and relevance of the offer, as well as the perceived benefits and risks associated with accepting it, can also impact decision-making. Social norms, personal values, and past experiences with robots can further shape individuals' responses to offers from robots. Factors such as the robot's appearance, communication style, and level of autonomy can also play a role in influencing acceptance or rejection of offers.

How could robot designers leverage an understanding of phantom costs to design more transparent and trustworthy robot behaviors?

Robot designers can leverage an understanding of phantom costs to design more transparent and trustworthy robot behaviors by incorporating elements that address potential suspicions and uncertainties in human-robot interactions. One approach is to enhance the explainability of robot actions and decisions, providing clear and logical explanations for why the robot is making a particular offer or behaving in a certain way. Designers can also focus on building rapport and establishing trust with users through consistent and reliable interactions. By ensuring that robots communicate their intentions effectively and align their behaviors with social norms and expectations, designers can reduce the likelihood of phantom costs being imagined by users. Additionally, incorporating mechanisms for users to provide feedback and ask questions can help clarify any misunderstandings and reinforce transparency in robot interactions. Ultimately, by prioritizing transparency, consistency, and user-centered design principles, robot designers can create more trustworthy and socially intelligent robots that foster positive and meaningful interactions with users.