A defining goal of research in AI and robotics is to build technical artefacts as substitutes, assistants or enhancements of human action and decision-making. But both in reflection on these technologies and in interaction with the respective technical artefacts, we sometimes encounter certain kinds of human likenesses. To clarify their significance, three aspects are highlighted. First, I will broadly investigate some relations between humans and artificial agents by recalling certain points from the debates on Strong AI, on Turing’s Test, on the concept of autonomy and on anthropomorphism in human-machine interaction. Second, I will argue for the claim that there are no serious ethical issues involved in the theoretical aspects of technological human likeness. Third, I will suggest that although human likeness may not be ethically significant on the philosophical and conceptual levels, strategies to use anthropomorphism in the technological design of human-machine collaborations are ethically significant, because artificial agents are specifically designed to be treated in ways we usually treat humans.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming communication processes across various sectors, including marketing, education, healthcare, and entertainment. This study explores the theoretical perspectives surrounding AI’s integration into communication, examining how AI-driven tools such as ChatGPT, MidJourney, and Google Gemini are reshaping content creation, personalisation, and human-machine interaction. While AI enhances efficiency and allows for real-time customisation of messages, it also presents ethical challenges related to privacy, data security, and algorithmic bias. By synthesising key academic studies, the study outlines the critical ethical considerations, including the risks of deepfakes and disinformation, and emphasises the need for ethical frameworks to guide responsible AI use. The text also discusses the new digital competencies required to navigate AI-enhanced communication environments, such as AI literacy, data proficiency, and ethical reasoning. Through a systematic literature review, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on AI’s role in communication by offering a comprehensive theoretical framework that highlights both the opportunities and limitations of AI technologies. Future research should focus on addressing gaps in empirical studies, particularly concerning the long-term impacts of AI on decision-making and the ethical governance of AI-generated content.
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