From robot to android to humanoid: Does self-referencing influence uncanny valley perceptions of mechanic or anthropomorphic face morphs?

Abstract

To examine how the self-referencing effect influences uncanny valley perceptions, this study (N = 188) employed an 11-level mechanic-to-human face morph continuum (ranging from 0% to 100% human-likeness in 10% increments) by 2 (self-face vs. stranger-face morphs) within-subjects repeated measures design. Contrary to expectations, self-morphs only enhanced similarity identification and resource allocation. In contrast, anthropomorphic morphs increased human perception, likability, resource allocation, mind perception of experience and agency, and similarity identification, while reducing eerie perceptions relative to mechanical morphs. Individual differences in science fiction and technology affinity influenced responses. Higher affinity participants attributed greater mind perception and showed increased acceptance of synthetic faces. These findings reinforce anthropomorphism as the primary driver of uncanny valley responses, while self-related stimuli exert a limited yet reliable influence on select social perception outcomes. The study also highlighted the role of individual differences in shaping responses to artificial faces. • This study explored the effects of the mechano-anthropomorphic variations of the self. • Self face morphs augmented resource allocation and identification relative to stranger morphs. • Opposing the “uncanny valley,” visual anthropomorphism was linked to positive ratings. • Affinity for science fiction and technology was linked to favorable perceptions of face morphs.