Do people believe that machines have minds and free will? Empirical evidence on mind perception and autonomy in machines

Abstract

Abstract Recently, we are witnessing an unprecedented advance and development in Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI systems are capable of reasoning, perceiving, and processing spoken (and written) natural language, and their applications vary from recommendation systems, automated translation software, prioritization of news in social media, to self-driving cars and/or robotics. A dystopian narrative predicts that AI may reach a point of singularity or a phase where machines surpass human beings in general intelligence and enslave us, but until that day comes, it is interesting to know how the general public perceive current artificial systems. Do people really attribute mind (i.e., mental states) and/or free will to artificial systems? Knowing how the general public perceive artificial systems is crucial because it could help understand how to apply AI in medicine, law, politics and other areas of human life. One study that I present here with a convenience sample ( N = 25) suggests this is not the case. General public do not perceive artificial systems can have mind nor do they attribute free will to them (F (5,57), (dif1 1), (dif2 47,6), p < 0.002).