Picture this: AI agents not just fetching your coffee - but debating Winston's politics at your whānau's Christmas dinner table.
Stanford researchers discovered whether this is desirable depends largely on where you’re from—because they reckon culture shapes how we want AI to behave in our lives.
The Servant vs. Your Mate
Many assume humans want AI as obedient butlers (thanks, Hollywood!). But Stanford’s Xiao Ge and Chunchen Xu found this is not universal.
Some cultures prefer AI with autonomy, emotions, and the ability to crash parties (metaphorically). Think less "Alexa, play music" and more "Alexa, argue about jazz vs. punk".
Why It matters
AI that mimics human behaviour already exists—with 85% accuracy after just two hours of training. But should it participate in society?
Researchers propose using these "simulation agents" to test policies or model social reactions. Others warn of risks: AI that knows how to push our emotional buttons could manipulate us (maybe even more effectively than Mecca Cosmetica manipulates my spending).
So?
Whether AI becomes a social companion or a digital despot hinges on cultural preferences—and whether we’re ready for machines that don’t just serve, but engage.
(For the full academic drama, check out the paper: How Culture Shapes What People Want from AI.)
And also...
Image generated thanks to Gemini (which obviously perceives itself as an orb of knowledge). These are not my friends!