Julian De Freitas, an assistant professor at Harvard Business School, dives into the consumer psychology behind AI adoption. He identifies five key barriers that make people hesitant about AI, such as its perceived opacity and lack of emotional intelligence. Through real-life examples, he explains how businesses can make AI feel more relatable and encourage user acceptance. De Freitas also discusses the importance of maintaining user control in AI systems and the complex human factors influencing technology adoption in various industries.
Understanding consumer resistance to AI requires addressing their perceptions of opacity and emotional intelligence in AI technologies.
Companies can enhance AI adoption by improving transparency and framing AI as a tool that complements rather than replaces human capabilities.
Deep dives
Barriers to AI Adoption
Many organizations recognize the potential of artificial intelligence, but the actual adoption rates are significantly lower than expected. Research indicates that while a majority of corporate strategists believe AI is crucial for future success, only a small fraction actively utilize AI in their operations. This gap is often attributed to psychological barriers, which include perceptions that AI is either too human-like or not human enough. These perceptions contribute to resistance and present challenges for companies trying to implement AI technologies effectively.
Understanding AI's Opacity
A primary concern regarding AI technology is its perceived opacity, as many AI systems operate like black boxes, making it challenging for users to understand how inputs are transformed into outputs. For instance, automated email sorting systems may accurately categorize messages as spam or not, yet the decision-making process remains unclear. To address these challenges, companies can take steps to improve transparency, such as clearly communicating the reasoning behind AI decisions. By simplifying the technology’s complexity and easing users into understanding how AI works, organizations can foster greater acceptance and trust.
Addressing Emotional Connections
Another significant barrier to AI adoption is the belief that AI lacks the emotional intelligence necessary for tasks that require human empathy and understanding. Many consumers prefer human interaction for services that involve emotional nuances, such as dating advice, where AI can be perceived as less trustworthy. To mitigate this perception, companies can highlight how AI systems complement emotional tasks rather than attempt to replicate human emotions. This can involve framing AI as a tool that enhances human capabilities, thereby encouraging users to embrace AI solutions.
Despite all the ways that artificial intelligence promises to improve our lives, many consumers feel anxious and are averse to AI-powered products and services. For marketers and product managers, it’s vital to understand what is driving that resistance to adoption. Julian De Freitas is an assistant professor in the marketing unit at Harvard Business School. He has identified five main ways people see artificial intelligence negatively: that AI is opaque, emotionless, inflexible, autonomous, and not human enough. Through real-life cases and the latest research, he explains how companies can soothe anxieties and encourage consumer adoption. De Freitas the author of the HBR article "Why People Resist Embracing AI."
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