A new study suggests that a placebo effect is at play when people expect their performance to be
enhanced by augmentation technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI). The researchers found that
individuals with high expectations of these technologies engage in riskier decision-making, which could
be a problem as people adopt these technologies without properly understanding their benefits and
limits.
Augmentation technologies boosting our physical, cognitive, or sensory performance have become
commonplace. Some are so widely in use that they’ve become invisible – spellcheck, for example – and
new technologies are emerging that could push our abilities beyond human limits, like exoskeletons and
AI-based vision-enhancement. But the hype around these technologies also builds expectations, which
could lead people to change their behaviour.
‘Individuals are more inclined to take risks when they believe they are enhanced by cutting-edge
technologies like AI or brain-computer interfaces,’ says Robin Welsch, assistant professor at Aalto University. ‘This occurs even if no actual enhancement technology is involved, indicating that it’s about
people’s expectations rather than any noticeable improvement. The findings also imply that a strong
belief in improvement, based on a fake system, can alter decision-making.’
Don’t trust the processor
Together with colleagues at LMU Munich, HU Berlin and Aalto University, Welsch measured decision-
making and risk-taking behaviour with a well-known psychological experiment, the Columbia Card Task.
In the experiment, participants win or lose points by turning over cards with hidden values. The 27
participants were led to believe that an AI-controlled brain-computer interface, the placebo, would
enhance their cognitive abilities by using binaural sounds to track the loss cards.
But the game was rigged – the augmentation provided no real benefit, and participants almost never
encountered a loss card. Still, most of the participants thought the augmentation had helped them do
better, and this made them take on greater risks. These findings show how sham cognitive enhancements can have real effects on risk-taking.
‘The hype surrounding these technologies skews people’s expectations,’ says Steeven Villa, doctoral
researcher at LMU Munich. ‘It can lead people to make riskier decisions and favourable user evaluations,
which can have real consequences.’
Technology is never neutral
Modern AI-based vision enhancement tools are becoming available for firefighters to see through smoke,
and factory workers are already taking advantage of exoskeletons to handle loads that defy human
physique. The creeping effects of generative AI systems could offer similar boosts to knowledge workers.
The authors are worried that entire professions could develop a larger appetite for risks, built on
misguided expectations.
‘AI-based technologies that enhance users are increasingly common and play a role in real-life decisions
that impact people’s lives, well-being, confidence, and safety.’ says Thomas Kosch, professor at HU Berlin.
‘To ensure the effectiveness of new technologies beyond the hype, placebo-controlled studies are
necessary for accurate evaluation and validation to tell apart snake-oil from real innovation.’