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When it comes to design elements for AI agents, few considerations are as weighty and convoluted as anthropomorphization. As we head into the era of conversational machines, renowned science reporter Sophie Bushwick joins Robb and Josh for further explorations of the human-like properties we assign to AI. Sophie’s work reminded us that our introduction to pocket computers came with the heavily anthropomorphized Tamagotchi pets of the late ’90s. In this rousing conversation, she helps weigh the pros and cons of making them human-like across a whole range of scenarios, including those geared toward productivity and entertainment.
We’re already prone to assigning human-like qualities to the many tools and pets in our lives, and with conversational technologies primed to become frequent partners in our daily activities, it’s critical to consider just how human we should make them seem. The correlations and similarities between corporations and AI pose both ethical considerations as well as design challenges, and this conversation draws on Sophie’s extensive background in technology reporting to look for answers.
Currently the Senior News Editor at New Scientist, Sophie has more than a decade of experience covering technology online and in print, with work appearing in places like Discover Magazine, Scientific American, Popular Science, and Gizmodo. She’s also produced numerous podcasts and videos, has made regular TV appearances on “CBS This Morning” and MSNBC. You can listen to her regular appearances on NPR’s Science Friday with Ira Flatow.
