Title: Dehumanisation

Abstract

Artificial intelligence and the world of cyber are inextricably bound. When logging on one can be susceptible to any number of manipulations by actors in cyberspace. Some have attempted to put in a myriad of controls that seek to provide safety but instead provide restriction and push negative forces into hiding. The methods in which manipulation is present in cyberspace are not widely well understood and so this paper explores how techniques such as anthropomorphism and humanlike technology can affect, and manipulate, people and their belief systems. As we have observed over the last few years, this can end in legal proceedings, or damage to society. Recently more serious effects of AI have been observed. Dehumanisation is the human reaction to overused anthropomorphism and lack of social contact caused by excessive interaction with, or addiction to, technology. This can cause humans to devalue technology and to devalue other humans. This is a contradiction of the use of ‘social robots’ and ‘chatbots’, indicating that the negative effects of this technology would outweigh any perceived positive effects. In cyberspace, anthropomorphism and similar techniques based on deep philosophical principles can be, and are, used to alter the behaviour of humans. To the authors knowledge the concepts within this paper have not been pulled together in this way to discuss the impact on cybersecurity. As these types of techniques are becoming more widespread in the cyberspace area, it is clear that we are entering unchartered territory that holds a vast array of consequences for society.