In Machines We Trust: Anthropomorphism's Role in the Subtle Erosion of Human Expertise

Abstract

Advancements in AI have taken the entire world by storm in the past decade. We see people using AI and technology for every small and simple work even with higher trust and greater ease, without realizing the simultaneous decrement happening in their cognitive and creative capacity. It has become increasingly easy to pass off work done by AI as original work with progressively human-like capabilities of modern AI tools. High trust in AI capabilities and exceedingly anthropomorphized human-like characteristics predict greater chances of the reuse of AI technology by humans. The increasing use of AI has the potential to both augment and deskill among humans. The study analyzed responses from 172 participants (101 men and 71 women) to address the rising concerns of use of AI and Deskilling being indulged in by students. The study utilized a survey method consisting of questions from established questionnaires regarding anthropomorphism and human-computer trust and a scenario reaction test to gauge the impact on deskilling of students. Results show that higher anthropomorphism and trust in AI were linked to higher levels of deskilling. The dangers of continued AI usage and possible safeguards have been discussed.