10 reasons why its ok to think of AI as having human qualities

The Why

This article is in response to an atricle I read on why we shouldn't treat AI like a human. Below are 10 reasons why anthorpomorphising AI can be beneficial to humans.

Note:

Obviously there is a need for education and developing a better understanding of AI's limitations but we are humans, we know how to work well with humans, we've done it for millenia so its only natural we would want to create an AI in our own likeness. I for one will still be continue to say Please and Thank you to Alexa.

The list

1. Enhances User Engagement and Comfort: Anthropomorphising AI can make interactions more engaging and comfortable for users. By using human-like characteristics, AI systems become more relatable, which can be especially beneficial in customer service or therapeutic applications where a personal touch is crucial.
2. Facilitates Intuitive Interaction: By assigning human-like attributes to AI, users can interact with them more intuitively. For instance, referring to an AI as "she" or "they" or using familiar terms like "smart" makes the technology more accessible, especially to those who are not tech-savvy.
3. Promotes Creative Development: Describing AI with human-like qualities such as "creative" can inspire developers and researchers to push the boundaries of AI capabilities. This anthropomorphic language serves as a metaphor that encourages thinking of AI beyond its current technical limitations.
4. Reflects the Evolution of AI: As AI systems become more advanced, they increasingly mimic human decision-making and problem-solving processes. Using human terms to describe these systems can reflect their evolving capabilities more accurately.
5. Aids in Ethical Consideration: When we ascribe human-like characteristics to AI, it may prompt more ethical considerations in their development and deployment. Treating AI with a degree of respect akin to that given to humans could encourage more responsible usage and development practices.
6. Supports Learning and Adaptation: Anthropomorphising AI can be beneficial in educational contexts, where AI can adapt and respond in more human-like ways. This can create a more dynamic and responsive learning environment.
7. Enhances Trust and Reliability Perception: Users may trust AI systems more when they perceive them as having human-like intelligence and capabilities. This trust can be crucial in contexts where user confidence in the system's recommendations or decisions is essential.
8. Encourages User Empathy and Patience: When AI is seen as more than just a tool, users may be more empathetic and patient in their interactions, understanding that AI, much like humans, has limitations and may require time to process or learn.
9. Stimulates Imagination and Innovation: Anthropomorphising AI can stimulate imagination, leading to innovative uses and applications. It allows people to conceptualise AI in different ways, potentially leading to breakthroughs in how AI is integrated into daily life.
10. Facilitates Emotional Connection: In some applications, like companionship robots for the elderly or therapeutic chatbots, a human-like persona can facilitate an emotional connection, making these tools more effective in their roles.