Ontological Boundaries between Humans and Computers and the Implications for Human-Machine Communication

Authors

Andrea L. Guzman, Northern Illinois UniversityFollow

Abstract

In human-machine communication, people interact with a communication partner that is of a different ontological nature from themselves. This study examines how people conceptualize ontological differences between humans and computers and the implications of these differences for human-machine communication. Findings based on data from qualitative interviews with 73 U.S. adults regarding disembodied artificial intelligence (AI) technologies (voice-based AI assistants, automated-writing software) show that people differentiate between humans and computers based on origin of being, degree of autonomy, status as tool/tool-user, level of intelligence, emotional capabilities, and inherent flaws. In addition, these ontological boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred as technologies emulate more human-like qualities, such as emotion. This study also demonstrates how people’s conceptualizations of the human-computer divide inform aspects of their interactions with communicative technologies.

DOI

10.30658/hmc.1.3

Author ORCID Identifier

Andrea L. Guzman 0000-0002-6874-9435

Recommended Citation

Guzman, A. L. (2020). Ontological boundaries between humans and computers and the implications for Human-Machine Communication. Human-Machine Communication, 1, 37-54. https://doi.org/10.30658/hmc.1.3