Towards A Framework for Levels of Anthropomorphic Deception in Robots and AI

2026-04-16

AI Summary

This study addresses the lack of normative guidance regarding deceptive anthropomorphism in human-computer and human-robot interaction by proposing a four-tier framework grounded in three core dimensions: anthropomorphism, agency, and selfhood. Through an integrative review of literature from HCI and HRI alongside illustrative case studies, the framework systematically delineates the boundaries of ethically and socially acceptable use by balancing functional necessity, social appropriateness, and ethical permissibility. It offers the first structured typology for classifying deceptive anthropomorphism and demonstrates its practical utility in the design of persuasive robots. By doing so, the work provides both academic researchers and industry practitioners with a theoretically grounded instrument for critical reflection and responsible implementation of anthropomorphic design strategies.

Technology Category

• Intelligent Robots: Human-Robot Interaction
• Humans and AI: Human-Computer Interaction
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Simulating Human Behavior

Application Category

• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy
• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics for personalization
• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Fairness and ethical considerations in crowd work and in human-in-the-loop AI systems

Abstract

This paper presents a preliminary draft of a framework around the use of anthropomorphic deception, defined here as misleading users towards humanlike affordances in the design of autonomous systems. The goal is to promote reflection among HCI and HRI researchers, as well as industry practitioners, to think about levels of anthropomorphic design that are: a) functionally necessary, b) socially appropriate, and c) ethically permissible for their use case. By reviewing the relevant literature on deception in HCI and HRI, we propose a framework with four levels of anthropomorphic deception. These levels are defined and distinguished by three factors: humanlikeness, agency, and selfhood. Example use cases at each level illustrate considerations around their functional, social, and ethical permissibility. We then present how this framework is applicable to previous work on persuasive robots We hope to promote a balanced view on anthropomorphic deception by design that should be neither naïve (e.g., as a default) nor exploitive (e.g., for economic benefit).

Problem

• anthropomorphic deception
• human-robot interaction
• ethical design
• autonomous systems
• HCI

Innovation

• anthropomorphic deception
• levels of autonomy
• humanlikeness
• agency
• ethical design