Sometimes it’s hard to be a robot: A call for action on the ethics of abusing artificial agents

Abstract

This is a call for informed debate on the ethical issues raised by the forthcoming widespread use of robots, particularly in domestic settings. Research shows that humans can sometimes become very abusive towards computers and robots particularly when they are seen as human-like and this raises important ethical issues.The designers of robotic systems need to take an ethical stance on at least three specific questions. Firstly is it acceptable to treat artefacts -particularly human-like artefacts -in ways that we would consider it morally unacceptable to treat humans? Second, if so, just how much sexual or violent 'abuse' of an artificial agent should we allow before we censure the behaviour of the abuser? Thirdly is it ethical for designers to attempt to 'design out' abusive behaviour by users?Conclusions on these and related issues should be used to modify professional codes as a matter of urgency.

How anthropomorphism affects empathy toward robots

“…Whitby raises a number of ethical issues regarding the mistreatment of human-like robots. He argues that while people have the personal liberty to abuse property within the privacy of their own home, should their act of abuse cause harm to other human beings it becomes morally unacceptable [7]. Considering our results showed that people empathized nearly as much with the humanoid and android robot protagonists as they did with the human protagonist, witnessing human-like robot abuse could potentially bring emotional harm to other humans.…”

Empathizing with robots: Fellow feeling along the anthropomorphic spectrum

“…Whitby raises several interesting issues regarding the mistreatment of humanlike robots. He argues that while people have the personal liberty to abuse property within the privacy of their own home, should their act of abuse cause harm to other human beings, it becomes morally unacceptable [26]. Considering our results showed that people empathized nearly as much with the humanoid and android protagonists as they did with the human protagonist, witnessing human-like robot abuse could potentially cause emotional harm.…”

Mindless Robots get Bullied

“…Since the robot is recognised by the human as a social actor, abusing it might encourage treating other humanlike beings (e.g. actual humans) in a similar way [65]. More generally speaking, the assertion "I can do whatever I desire with a robot" rests upon the idea that all and any actions are acceptable as long as no-one gets harmed [48], which even in the most libertarian societies is not a commonly shared a itude [65].…”