Living with Autonomy: Public Perceptions of an AI-Mediated Future

2021/01/23 by Eva Kassens-Noor, Eva Kaßens-Noor, Mark Wilson +3
Engineering · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Ethics and Social Impacts of AI #Human-Automation Interaction and Safety #Transportation and Mobility Innovations

paper · doi:10.1177/0739456x20984529

openalex publication_date 2021/01/23 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30

Abstract

The arrival of autonomous systems powered by artificial intelligence (AI) offers new possibilities for life, yet the focus tends to be more on the technology than the people it serves. Planners should consider the likely reception awaiting emerging intelligent systems. Using an online survey of 3,249 faculty, staff, and students at a major research university, we tested perceptions of autonomy, including domotics and autonomous vehicles. Embracing the new technology with variations in attitude associated with age, gender, and familiarity with new technology, people’s openness to AI-enabled devices applies if they remain a tool to support work and not replace human-centered interactions.

Citations

• University of Michigan North Campus long-term vision and lidar dataset
• The forthcoming Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution: Its impact on society and firms
• Is Uber a substitute or complement for public transit?

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