2004
Volume 46, Issue 3
  • ISSN: 0167-2444
  • E-ISSN: 2949-8651

Abstract

Abstract

Chatbots are widely used social robots and already have a significant social impact. This article focuses on chatbots, i.e., automated conversational partners, from an ethical and social perspective. First, I briefly explain what kind of machines chatbots are and identify several key technical characteristics of chatbots that influence how they affect social practices. Next, various social and ethical issues surrounding chatbots are discussed. I primarily focus on dehumanization issues raised by the interaction between chatbots and humans, such as objectification, paternalism, deception, and social de-skilling.

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2025-08-01
2025-12-05
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