TED Talks Daily

Why we're more honest with machines than people | Anne Scherer

Jun 29, 2021
In this enlightening discussion, consumer researcher Anne Scherer reveals why we often find ourselves more honest with machines than with humans. She delves into the awkwardness of human communication and how robots facilitate candid conversations on sensitive topics like mental health. Scherer explores the influence of social norms, especially in a post-pandemic world, and discusses how virtual interviewers can encourage openness. Ultimately, she uncovers the paradox of why machines can foster more genuine disclosures than our fellow humans.
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ANECDOTE

Barbecue Awkwardness

  • At a barbecue, a man broke social norms by discussing his lack of sex life, leading to awkward silence.
  • A child then innocently revealed overhearing his parents having sex, breaking the same norm but eliciting laughter.
INSIGHT

Unwritten Social Rules

  • Social norms, like avoiding discussions of sex or politics at dinner, are often unwritten and enforced through social rewards and punishments.
  • Breaking these norms leads to sanctions, but children are often exempt due to their perceived naiveté.
INSIGHT

Evolving Norms and Social Approval

  • Social norms evolve, as seen with the shift in handshaking etiquette due to the pandemic.
  • Our desire for social approval and fear of disapproval shape our behavior and self-presentation, amplified by social media's pursuit of perfection.
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