Trust in emerging technologies and artificial intelligence

Abstract

The past years of technological and digital development have been revolutionary. Artificial intelligence technologies are increasingly sophisticated, driving current transformative societal and cultural change. This chapter investigates trust in and by technologies. We portray trust as a relationship encompassing both human–technology and human–human interaction and human trust in institutions enabling technologies. Review of the most recent works on robots, artificial intelligence, and extended realities shows the importance of both technology-design and human-related factors (e.g., personality variables, self-efficacy, or competence) when building trust between humans and technology. Functionality, transparency, and safety of intelligent technologies are important when people evaluate their trustworthiness. These features and the perceived benevolence of systems can facilitate trust. However, scepticism and distrust toward technology are common in the rapidly evolving digitalised environment. A technological future should be an era where trust extends beyond humans to include mutual trust among intelligent technologies and systems.