The Uncanny Valley
The Uncanny Valley So, what IS the Uncanny Valley? “The uncanny valley phenomenon can be described as an eerie or unsettling feeling that some people experience in response to not-quite-human figures like humanoid robots and lifelike computer-generated characters.” (https://spectrum.ieee.org/what-is-the-uncanny-valley) Understanding and addressing the Uncanny Valley is vital in human-computer interaction. This phenomenon can have significant emotional and psychological impacts on individuals and society: When encountering entities in the Uncanny Valley, people may experience fear and anxiety due to the unsettling nature of these almost-human, yet not-quite-human, beings. Imagine having to work with an awkward sort of human-like robot that is there to help you but not great at it’s human replies yet. The emotional response can lead to avoidance or aversion, impacting interactions with the robot, virtual characters, or other AI systems. With the presence ...