A new sociology of humans and machines

This perspective calls for a new sociology of humans and machines to study groups and networks comprising multiple interacting humans and algorithms, bots, or robots. It reviews recent research and identifies general dynamics in competition, coordination, cooperation, contagion, and collective decision-making.

Milena Tsvetkova; T. Yasseri; N. Pescetelli; Tobias Werner· Nature Human Behaviour· 2024· DOI 10.1038/s41562-024-02001-8

The core problem

The proliferation of fake social media accounts, generative AI chatbots, trading algorithms, and self-driving vehicles means that robots, bots, and algorithms are permeating our communication channels, social interactions, economic transactions, and transportation arteries. Networks of multiple interdependent and interacting humans and intelligent machines constitute complex social systems for which the collective outcomes cannot be deduced from either human or machine behaviour alone. This Perspective argues that to ensure more robust and resilient human-machine communities, we require a new sociology of humans and machines.

The authors review recent research and identify general dynamics and patterns in situations of competition, coordination, cooperation, contagion, and collective decision-making. They use context-rich examples from high-frequency trading markets, a social media platform, an open collaboration community, and a discussion forum. The approach draws on complex system methods to study human-machine social systems.

Introduction

The proliferation of fake social media accounts, generative AI chatbots, trading algorithms, and self-driving vehicles means that robots, bots, and algorithms are permeating our communication channels, social interactions, economic transactions, and transportation arteries. Networks of multiple interdependent and interacting humans and intelligent machines constitute complex social systems for which the collective outcomes cannot be deduced from either human or machine behaviour alone. This Perspective argues that to ensure more robust and resilient human-machine communities, we require a new sociology of humans and machines.

The authors argue that a new sociology of humans and machines is necessary to study these complex systems. They propose three key recommendations: 1. **Researchers** should study human-machine communities using complex system methods, integrating insights from sociology, computer science, and network science. 2. **Engineers** should explicitly design artificial intelligence for human-machine and machine-machine interactions, considering social dynamics and potential emergent behaviors. 3. **Regulators** should govern the ecological diversity and social co-development of humans and machines, ensuring that these systems benefit society. A deeper understanding of human-machine social systems can contribute new and valued insights for AI research, design, and policy. The authors call for interdisciplinary collaboration to address the challenges and opportunities posed by the increasing integration of intelligent machines into social life.

Pembaca Research Digest dan praktisi rumpun ini.

Opening member content…